News: Rotherham housing scheme secures Kickstart funding

A stalled housing development in Rotherham has secured £1.4m from the government that will enable it to get back on track.

Strata's "Colours" development in Manvers, Rotherham was shortlisted in December and following a due diligence process, the funding will now be used to create 58 homes.

This support is not a handout though and comes on tough terms, with much of the money expected to be repaid within five years. Developers have also had to pass stringent value for money assessments carried out by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to prove that each taxpayer pound is well spent.

As part of the Government's drive to make new homes cleaner and greener, priority has been given to those schemes which are set to meet high environmental standards, with the overwhelming majority of successful schemes meeting at least Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

It is also a requirement that those receiving funding must provide apprenticeships and opportunities for local workers.

Housing Minister and Wentworth Mp John Healey said: "We're putting the weight of Government investment into building much-needed affordable homes, keeping people in work and giving young people a chance of apprenticeships.

In this recession, the Government has not stepped back and left the homes and jobs we need to the market. We're using public funding to keep Britain building through the downturn."

Rosie Winterton, Minister for Yorkshire and The Humber, added: "It is a further demonstration of the Government's commitment to meeting the housing needs of many families and prospective first time buyers in Yorkshire and The Humber. It will also support the construction industry and create local jobs and apprenticeships."

Strata website
Rotherham