A Bramley housing development offering accommodation for people with disabilities has officially opened its doors.
Families who have been on Leeds City Council housing waiting lists will benefit from homes on Raynville Crescent that meet their accessibility requirements and will allow them to live more independently.
The homes, which were launched on Friday, have been built by Habinteg Housing Association and specifically provide accessible housing for disabled people.
Habinteg Chief Executive, Sheron Carter, Board Member, Mel Groves, Leeds City Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves and local residents gathered for the opening of Raynville Crescent.
Tenants have now moved in to all 14 new homes.
Picture by Roger Moody / Guzelian
New residents like Mr and Mrs White occupy one of the wheelchair-accessible bungalows in Raynville Crescent. Their family were identified by Leeds City Council as having specific housing needs at a time when demand for quality housing is at its highest.
Mr and Mrs White had been on the Council’s housing waiting list for 18 months. Mr White who became paralysed following a motorcycle accident several years ago, has complex health issues. He said:
“It’s going to be a new life. I have access to my car. I can go out and spend time with my grandchildren. My wife was my carer and did a lot for me. I had to stay at home most of the time before. It wasn’t a life.”
Habinteg Chief Executive Sheron Carter said:
“We are delighted at the results of partnership working with Leeds City Council. Habinteg is proud to have been able to develop accessible homes on the site to help regenerate this community. Raynville Crescent is the result of collaboration, best practice and technical expertise to deliver quality homes.”
Cllr Richard Lewis (Lab, Pudsey) said:
“Habinteg have worked very closely with us to ensure that the design of these 14 properties meets the needs of disabled people and their families. The scheme is part of Habinteg’s accessible housing programme in Leeds which will build properties suitable for people with a range of accessibility needs in Seacroft, Harehills, Belle Isle and Stanningley.”
The unveiling of a plaque in the new road, Hall Way commemorated former Habinteg Housing Manager Graham Hall’s contribution to the area.
Bradford developers Torpoint have transformed the former council-owned brownfield site. Raynville Crescent has been funded by Leeds City Council through their Right to Buy replacement programme.
The Dispatch first reported on Habinteg’s planning application for accessible homes in May 2016.