DETAILS of an ambitious development bid to help meet the future housing needs of Cheshire West and Chester, including affordable homes, are about to be signed off.
The West Cheshire Growth Point Partnership already has Government backing for more homes to be built in Ellesmere Port & Neston, Chester and Vale Royal to help tackle the shortage of affordable housing in the area, particularly on derelict and brownfield (previously built-on) sites.
The joint bid, which could see funds pour in from a £100m Government kitty, was originally submitted by the borough council and its counterparts in Chester and Vale Royal, and Cheshire County Council.
It is also being considered by the shadow Cheshire West and Chester Council, the new body which will replace all those local authorities come April 2009.
A crucial submission for funding is due with the Department for Communities and Local Government by October 27.
Chester City Council’s Executive heard the partnership has contacted a number of organisations to seek their support and work is nearing completion on the bid.
Issues it will highlight include the strong economic role West Cheshire plays within the sub region and the North West for employment, retail and tourism.
The Government will be told that housing growth can link with employment development to regenerate communities and reduce the need for travel.
The proposals would also link with plans for schools, higher education, health care, culture and sport.
They will set out the need for housing in the area, particularly affordable and outline the key sites.
Councillors hope it will be known early in 2009 if their bid for funding has been successful.
The partnership has already been awarded £150,000 of Government money.
The Government invited bids for New Growth Point Status from all authorities in England as part of its objective to increase the number of houses by 2016.
