Salford approves transfer of 135 affordable homes

The city council has rubberstamped the transfer of affordable homes to the local authority’s housing company Dérive RP.

Houses being developed by Salford City Council in Little Hulton and Weaste and Seedley are to be handed over to the registered provider, an intake of 106 and 29 homes at each site respectively.

At Little Hulton, where a 177-home scheme is being developed, Dérive will take control of 20 shared ownership properties, 44 social rent homes, and 42 affordable rent homes.

A further 30 homes at the scheme will be sold at market rates make the affordable element stack up.

At Tootal Grove, in Weaste and Seedley, the decision will see a further 21 affordable homes transferred to Dérive, as well as eight purpose-built, self-contained one-bedroom move-on homes, so people who are without a home can move in.

Social rent typically sees homes available for 50% of local market rent, while affordable rent sees the homes at less than 80% of the local market rent, capped at the Local Housing Allowance rate.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “The decisions made mean we will have more truly affordable homes for local people in our city.

“It is another significant milestone as we push forward with building even more high-quality, truly affordable homes. These 106 homes at Little Hulton are of mixed sizes to meet local need and demand.”

• BOOK NOW: Manchester Summer Social 2025

He added: “It is the sale of the 30 homes that makes the model work. The sale of them helps to pay for the homes that can be offered at affordable and social rent.”

“At Tootal Grove, it is hugely positive to see purpose-built move-on accommodation prioritised for rough sleepers, which can be life-changing for the people who move into them. The wraparound support that comes with the homes will help people move to the next stage of their lives with vital support.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, deputy city mayor and lead member for housing and anti-poverty, said: “We committed to building 600 affordable homes at the last election.

“Local people are desperate for affordable homes to move into, and it is good to see these homes coming forward.

“The homes will make a huge difference to the people who move into them, and I hope to visit both estates when people are settled and see how they are enjoying their new communities.”