Construction Advances on Huddersfield’s Plane Street Affordable Housing Project

Construction is progressing on a development of 30 affordable homes in Newsome, a village near Huddersfield town centre. The project features a combination of two and three-bedroom houses and is being delivered by Unity Homes and Enterprise, a Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) housing association, in collaboration with Kirklees Council, Homes England, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The site, located on Plane Street, was formerly occupied by Stile Common Infant and Nursery School until its demolition in 2011. Initial enabling works were completed, but construction faced delays due to challenges such as securing necessary service agreements and adverse weather conditions.

Jack Lunn Construction Ltd is now advancing the build and anticipates completing the development by spring 2027. Unity Homes and Enterprise, established in 1987 to serve the housing needs of BME communities in Leeds, currently manages nearly 1,400 properties across West Yorkshire. This includes two affordable housing schemes in Huddersfield and one in Cleckheaton.

Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, acknowledged the frustrations caused by the delays, particularly for nearby residents affected by road closures and disruption. He said, “The delays have been frustrating for everyone involved, particularly the adjoining residents who have had to put up with a road closure and significant disruption, but we are thrilled that this exciting development being built for local people is firmly back on track.” He added, “The 30 new properties are of the highest quality and will provide a boost to a previously derelict site which had been out of use for a significant period of time.”

Noteman also expressed gratitude towards the project partners and local residents: “I want to thank our fantastic partners – Kirklees Council, Homes England, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Jack Lunn Construction – whilst also extending my thanks to the adjoining residents for their patience while we complete the development. They have worked closely with us to ensure the local community in Newsome and surrounding areas will soon benefit from a stunning, much needed new affordable housing scheme.”

Cedric Boston, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to providing quality housing for BME communities. He stated, “Building new homes and providing BME people with an opportunity to live in excellent quality housing is a key part of our social purpose. The Plane Street development – on a brownfield site in a sustainable location – is a perfect fit for Unity as we as further expand our presence in Kirklees.”