What will the new development be?
The site on Fenay Lane was identified as part of our housing growth strategy, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023. Since Cabinet, the site has undergone a rigorous competitive land sale process where bids were considered to ensure they aligned closely with those of the council. For example, creating as many new affordable homes as possible and making sure all new housing is energy efficient.
Vistry Group has now been confirmed as the development partner to build around 150 much-needed new market and affordable homes on the site at Fenay Lane, Almondbury/Fenay Bridge
Who are Vistry?
Vistry is a Strategic Partner of Homes England. Strategic Partners have pre-allocated financial resources and the capacity, skills, expertise, creativity, and procurement structures in place to enable them to acquire sites and build new, quality, market, and affordable homes and places at scale and pace.
Once constructed, the affordable housing will be owned and managed by their preferred Registered Provider partner, Yorkshire Housing – Yorkshire’s largest Housing Association.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for the council and our new Vistry, and I am looking forward to working closely with them on helping to deliver much-needed energy efficient homes on the Almondbury site. When selecting a development partner, we always work on the basis that they should share our values and have the best interests of local people and communities at heart. From their bid, we can be confident that Vistry will bring a quality development to Almondbury, delivering the right mix of housing to meet the needs of our residents.
“By partnering with trusted developers, we can work towards achieving our housing needs without ongoing financial input from us as a council. We are currently in the process of updating our Local Plan and Housing Growth Strategy, but it is clear that to address the local and national housing shortage, we will need to increase the number of houses built in Kirklees while also meeting our climate goals.”
Andrew Poyner, Managing Director of Vistry West Yorkshire, commented:
“We’re excited to have been selected by Kirklees Council and share its vision for the Fenay Lane site. Our purpose as a responsible developer is to work in partnership to deliver sustainable homes, communities and social value, leaving a lasting legacy of places people love.”
What happens next?
Now that Vistry are appointed, they will begin to undertake design work on the scheme and are expected to submit a planning application during winter 25/26. Once submitted, residents will have the opportunity to help shape the scheme and to comment on the planning proposals.
It is hoped that construction will start on site in late summer 2026.
