South Yorkshire: Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham

Pathfinder: Transform South Yorkshire

Introduction

This pathfinder covers nearly 300,000 residents, the largest geographical area and the most dwellings of the nine pathfinders, including parts of all four South Yorkshire authorities. The area has a legacy of industrial decline and concentrated deprivation. It has also experienced a significant outward migration of people aged between 25 and 44 and as a result has the second highest proportion of pensioner only households.

The pathfinder's housing market renewal proposals are rooted in an overall economic strategy whereby there are plans to diversify the housing choice to support and take advantage of changing economic needs. The pathfinder also seeks to improve housing quality to give areas (particularly in the Dearne) a clear sense of place and function.

Case study

Homesteading in Southey Owlerton, Sheffield

The vast majority of homes in Southey Owlerton are unmodernised, two bed-roomed properties, owned by Sheffield City Council and managed by Sheffield Homes (Sheffield City Council's Arms Length Management Organisation).

These houses are very unpopular with people applying for council housing, and although Sheffield Homes has a programme of refurbishment, some of the properties need extensive repair and improvement. Although they are on otherwise sustainable estates, these properties are virtually impossible to let and are left empty; they further deteriorate and blight the area. To tackle this, and to start to address the over supply of social rented homes on the estate, Transform South Yorkshire has funded a scheme to promote "homesteading" in the area.

Many people who want to buy their own home can no longer afford to because of the sharp rise in house prices over recent years. The homesteading scheme allows people to buy a home in Southey Owlerton at a greatly reduced price, on the condition that certain significant repairs are carried out. The reduction in price means that, even with the cost of repairs, the mortgage on a home is within the reach of most people.

This scheme has been a great success; the money invested by the pathfinder enabled more people to find out about the possibility of homesteading and to consider whether it was the right option for them. Homesteading in other parts of the city has proved successful too, showing people what can be achieved.
One new homeowner said:

"I never thought I was going to be able to afford my own house, but this is such a good idea. It's been hard work at times, but you don't mind doing it because it's for your own home in the long run."