Milestone moment for council's housing plan

Alison and David Step, who both live with a number of medical conditions that impact their mobility and general health, have praised the team at Sunderland City Council for their support, after securing a two-bedroom bungalow in Arnay Court in Old Mill Road.

The couple's one-storey new-build, one of 16 attractive new homes developed in Southwick, has given them a new lease of life, enabling them to easily navigate the property and providing them with a large outdoor space for their grandchildren to enjoy.

The homes were built by Sunderland-based MCC Homes and are part of Sunderland City Council's £59m Housing Delivery and Investment Plan (HDIP). The five-year HDIP set out ambitions to ensure that residents have access to the homes they need throughout their lives; that vulnerable residents are able to live in properties that support them to live independently for longer, in which they are supported to live happy, fulfilled lives; and that empty homes, that so often blight their community, are returned to use, creating attractive new homes.

As well as being registered blind, Alison, 57, lives with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pruritus and has significant issues with her knees and hips that mean the move to the bungalow has greatly improved her quality of life.  Her husband David also has health problems. The 58-year-old has sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, spinal stenosis and dermatological problems, and having moved from a third-floor apartment with 51 stairs to navigate to access their home, the couple can now enjoy a greatly enhanced quality of life.

Alison said: "We are absolutely tickled pink with the house. Our apartment was becoming really difficult for us to access, which meant we were increasingly isolated.

"I think, in the end, we were becoming quite depressed, so the move to a home that meets our needs has lifted our mood and we're starting to live again, which is lovely."

Despite the homes having just been handed over to residents earlier this month, Alison said there is already a strong sense of community, with a neighbourly atmosphere as everyone settles into their new home.

"It's been lovely getting to know our neighbours and speaking to different people after spending so long feeling isolated in our last home.  There's a lovely feel in the court already."

Alison, who was born in Hendon, is particularly pleased to be able to make the house her own, having been unable to redecorate her last home, which was a privately rented property.

"I have been able to decorate the house to my taste and it's obviously a beautiful brand-new property, so it really is a beautiful home. David and I have three grown up sons and lots of grandchildren, so it's nice that they can enjoy it too, especially the garden and we're looking forward to being able to have the family round in the summer for a barbeque together.  It really is life-changing for us."

Alison and David have become the 100^th residents to move into a council house, with the local authority becoming a registered provider, after a 20-year hiatus, in 2020.

Arnay Court is one of a number of new developments across the city.  The scheme includes five new 3-bedroom family homes and 11 2-bed bungalows for older people, and are designed to deliver good-quality, affordable accommodation for rent.

Councillor Iain Scott, dynamic city deputy cabinet member, said: "I am thrilled that Alison and David are settling into their lovely new home, the 100^th residents to benefit from the HDIP which is delivering good quality homes for affordable rent across the city.

"It's clear, the difference this home is making to their lives, and it really brings into focus why the HDIP is so important to us as a council - to enable our residents to live the best life possible in a home that is fit for purpose."