85 new apartments in Leeds but not enough family homes

LEEDS JEWISH Housing Association will this month formally open its latest project, a £14 million development of 85 one and two-bedroom apartments.

But the association says it is struggling to meet the demand for family homes, which is being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis.

The new development incorporates Cherry Tree House, a sheltered scheme for over-55s, and Hillside, an apartment block for which anyone is eligible.

Cherry Tree House comprises 51 one- and two-bedroom apartments with fitted kitchens and accessible bathrooms.

Hillside has 34 one and two-bedroom apartments.

Cherry Tree House is connected to other LJHA sheltered blocks, providing opportunities for wider social gatherings. The social aspect is particularly welcome for tenants who experienced loneliness during the periods of pandemic restrictions.

“We couldn’t lock down like care homes but the measures we took meant that people were isolated,” explained LJHA director of operations Craig Simons. “But we had 24/7 support so we didn’t lose people [to Covid].”

The pandemic had also impacted on tenants’ mobility and brought “a lot more desire for outdoor space”.

Mr Simons said the new homes brought the number of properties administered by the association to 550.

Half the stock is sheltered housing and 800 people are accommodated in total — around 10 per cent of the Leeds Jewish population. And the association regularly receives applications from people living outside the main community area.

“People want to be in a Jewish environment,” Mr Simons noted.

Three-quarters of the new apartments have already been occupied, although places are still available.

But there is significant need for family housing and LJHA has only 35 three- or four-bedroom properties. And whereas there is a regular turnover of sheltered apartments, the family homes rarely become available.

“That’s the high demand bit. We are regularly requested them. We don’t keep long waiting lists because we just don’t get them coming up — one in four years.”

To illustrate the need, Mr Simons cited the example of a divorced mother with children, explaining that even if she received half the proceeds from the sale of the marital property, the money would be insufficient to otherwise find a home within the Jewish community.

“We are doing our utmost to identify funding options to look to build new properties. It’s our next priority. Our plan is to try and find an option that is financially viable but it’s about looking at funding possibilities outside of government funding — individuals, charitable trusts — to help facilitate that.”

Government aid had funded around half the cost of the latest project.

But it would not support the site LJHA is considering for larger homes because of a recent policy change.

“Previously it would fund new builds. It will now only fund increased builds. The site we are looking at has apartments on it and houses take up more space than apartments so it’s a negative increase.”

Minister for Housing Stuart Andrew is due to officially open Cherry Tree House and Hillside.

We don’t keep long waiting lists —we don’t get family houses coming up