Croydon Council has tonight (Monday) agreed to sell more of its land to Brick by Brick for development into more than 500 additional affordable rented or private sale homes.
The council’s cabinet has agreed to sell 60 sites across the borough to Brick by Brick so it can develop up to 502 extra homes for local people, including a target that 50% of the homes are affordable.
In the absence of government funding, the council-owned developer was set up by the council in 2016 to build homes across the borough, including affordable, and all profits are reinvested in council services and financing more homes. It is already in the process of building some 1,300 homes.
The 60 new plots are across the borough and range from infill sites to land next to council tower blocks, with most of these suitable for fewer than 10 homes. There is no legal requirement for private developers to include affordable homes on small sites, but Brick by Brick’s commitment to providing affordable homes means that they will. All Brick by Brick schemes have a ‘Croydon first’ policy, whether they are for sale, shared ownership or affordable rent.
All developments will be subject to Brick by Brick carrying out public consultation and schemes gaining planning permission.
As with previous sites sold to Brick by Brick, the council will get the best possible price based on valuation factors such as the planning consent and the target of making sure that affordable homes make up half of those built.
The first Brick by Brick homes nearing completion in Upper Norwood are already on sale.
Work is also being finalised on Brick by Brick’s first 100% affordable development in Thornton Heath on the site of a former derelict care home. Flora Court will provide 27 new homes with the affordable rented going to people on the council’s housing waiting list.
“Croydon has a housing crisis, homes of every tenure are required. Brick by Brick is already delivering hundreds of new and affordable homes right across the borough, and this decision now means they can provide hundreds more.”
Councillor Alison Butler, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services
“As well as delivering much-needed full-price and affordable homes for Croydon people, the way we set up Brick by Brick means any profits are reinvested in council services and to build more homes.”
Councillor Simon Hall, cabinet member for finance and resources
