First residents move into new council homes built on Grange Park in Blackpool as part of a £20m investment

The first residents have moved into new council homes being built at Grange Park in Blackpool as part of a £20m investment.

A total of 17 houses, including five bungalows, are now occupied on the estate where 131 new properties are being built in total.

Work began in May last year on two sites at Dinmore Avenue and Chepstow Road, where solar panels are being fitted to all homes, and 30 properties will have air source heat pumps.

Leanne Griffin is among the new residents having previously been homeless with her children, and has received help from the Royal British Legion to fit out their four bedroom semi-detached house.

She said she was delighted to move from “a dilapidated privately rented house to a pristine council new build, all thanks to Blackpool Council following a challenging year-and-a-half of homelessness alongside our children.”

Leanne added: “Now, in our new residence, I am deeply grateful to Blackpool Council for providing us with this fresh start. Additionally, the Royal British Legion has generously kitted out our house with new essentials.

“What’s even more remarkable is that our new home is one of the new green houses, equipped with a heat pump and solar panels.

“The electricity bills are surprisingly lower than I thought they would be, adding to our relief and gratitude.”

The development is being built by Blackpool-based contractor Tyson’s and is due to be completed next year.

It will include 96 houses, five bungalows and 30 sheltered apartments along with enhanced open spaces and improved pedestrian and cycle access.

The new homes are being funded partially by a grant from Homes England and are managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing who already manage around 5,000 properties on Blackpool Council’s behalf.

“The Grange Park homes will help meet local housing needs ranging from one bedroom apartments to six bedroom houses designed for larger families which are also more energy efficient.

“Once this project is fully complete more than 400 new homes will have been built since 2018.”

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member with responsibilities for housing, said: “It is wonderful to see the first residents move into their new homes. This is a scheme that the council and Blackpool can be proud of.