The construction of Merton’s first new council homes in a generation is set to be given the go ahead by Cabinet next week – creating much-needed homes for our community.
Cabinet is expected to approve a tender process inviting construction firms to build the first 93 new council homes in our borough in 40 years. If given the green light by Cabinet, the decision will then go to a Full Council meeting.
Progressing to this next stage would be another step forward in Merton Council’s ambitious home-building plans to create 400 safe, secure and environmentally-friendly homes – all for social rent.
The homes will be built at Elm Nursery Car Park, Mitcham; Raleigh Gardens Car Park, Mitcham; Land at Canons, Madeira Road, Mitcham; and Farm Road Church, Morden.
The new homes will be modern, comfortable and genuinely affordable. Residents are set to save money on their bills through the homes’ energy-efficiency standard, known as Passivhaus.
In August this year, the council’s planning committee unanimously approved changes to the homes’ original designs in line with Passivhaus principles. The move reaffirms the council’s commitment to create a greener, more sustainable borough.
Across the country, councils have seen both demand and costs for temporary housing escalate, and in Merton, the allocated budget for temporary accommodation is also coming under severe pressure. These new council homes will help alleviate the pressure on housing and support some of our most vulnerable residents including those experiencing homelessness in temporary accommodation.
By investing in new housing now, the council plans to increase the supply of affordable homes to make sure it can continue to meet increased demand in future years.
Council Leader Councillor Ross Garrod said:
“When speaking to residents, housing comes up time and time again as one of people’s biggest concerns. We are doing everything in our power to address the housing crisis locally, and I’m so pleased this includes building new council homes for the first time in a generation.
“The first 93 homes will be high-quality and energy efficient. They will boost the supply of homes in our borough for the benefit of our residents, because everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home.”