Bold new housing plan aims to boost affordable homes across Tameside

A major new proposal designed to make housing more affordable for local residents is set to be discussed by Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet next week.

The plan outlines an ambitious approach to unlocking Council-owned land in order to deliver up to 485 new social and affordable homes for families, first-time buyers and older residents across the borough.

The proposal follows a recent Housing Needs Assessment which confirmed what many in the community already know: Tameside urgently needs more low-cost and social housing. With rising demand and ongoing pressures on the housing market, many residents continue to struggle to find a home within their budget.

Under the new approach, the Council would aim to tackle this challenge by:

• Using Council-owned land that is no longer needed for other purposes
• Working with trusted housing providers to accelerate delivery
• Ensuring new homes reflect local needs – including family housing, apartments and supported accommodation
• Allocating £273,000 from developer contributions to help fund additional affordable homes

If approved, up to 485 homes could be developed across four initial sites, with the possibility of further locations coming forward in the future.

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, said: “This is about being ambitious and taking control of our housing future. By using our own land and working in partnership, we can deliver more than just the required percentage of affordable and social homes local people need and reduce homelessness across Tameside.”

While the proposal has been welcomed by those who argue that the borough faces an acute housing shortage, some residents may seek further reassurance about how local infrastructure, green space and community services will be considered as part of future developments. Others may want clarity on how the homes will be allocated and how quickly they will be delivered.

Should the Executive Cabinet give the plan the go-ahead, Council Officers will begin detailed engagement with Registered Housing Providers and undertake the necessary legal work, with site disposals expected to begin in early 2026.