Contested 4,000-home Maltkiln site faces fresh headaches

The devolution deal will allow local leaders more decision-making power in areas like housing, planning, transport, and economic growth in their region.

MADE Partnership will be master-developer of residential-led development from 1,000 to 10,000 homes, initially backed by £150m equity provided equally by its partners.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has outlined her plan to get thousands of homes built. But will it work? Plus: Leeds’ office market has reason for optimism – and so does the wider shed scene.

The New Homes Accelerator will unblock stalled housing sites by cutting red tape and streamlining bureaucracy – unleashing their potential for up to 300,000 homes.

A 10-year economic growth plan and action on public transport across the new combined authority area are front of mind, said Mayor David Skaith, now three months into the role.

As he prepares to leave his post as chief executive of Leeds City Council at the end of the year, Tom Riordan spoke with Paul Unger about legacy, the changing local government landscape and outstanding priorities.

Whitehall sign-off is required before the city council can trigger the programme to invest in community assets and home improvements, now rubber-stamped by the LCC executive.

Charged with making a shortlist of ideal locations for these new communities within a year, the taskforce is set to have its first meeting in September.

The new government’s ambition was welcomed, but the built environment is ready for a little less conversation and a little more action, please. That was the overruling sentiment from built environment professionals from across the North.