Sefton Council is set to wind down its homes development arm that focused on market-led houses and instead pivot towards its plan to build 1,000 affordable homes with Sovini. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council is to wind down its market-led development company in favour of a new partnership that will deliver 1,000 affordable and social homes across the borough.
Sandway Homes was established in 2019 to deliver housing schemes that would comprise a mix of market-led and affordable homes. An affordable home is one where the sale price or rent is no more than 80% of local market rate. It has so far delivered 78 new homes, 31 of which were affordable.
Its final project at Buckley Hill Lane in Netherton, which is nearing completion, will deliver a further 63 homes. From early 2026, 18 of these homes will form part of Sefton’s council housing stock.
This week the senior councillors will be asked to approve the winding down of Sandway as the authority pivots towards its Sefton Home 2030 alliance with housing association Sovini which aims to build 1,000 affordable and social homes by 2030.
Social homes are typically cheaper to rent than affordable homes and can be as little as just 50% of local market rate.
Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said: “Completion of the Buckley Hill Lane site will fulfil the business plan agreed for the council-owned company in 2019. In its six years, Sandway has delivered on the objectives set out in that plan.
“No further sites are planned for Sandway at present, but the company will continue to work closely with the council through Sefton Home 2030, the new and exciting partnership with The Sovini Group, which we announced in October.
“At this time company overhead is being managed effectively, with a view to maximising return to the shareholder and the public purse, and with a view to ensuring best value for house purchasers.”
Sandway’s three completed projects included 30 homes at Bartons Close in Crossens, 48 homes at Meadow Lane in Ainsdale, and 63 properties at Buckley Hill Lane in Netherton.
Cllr Atkinson added: “In addition to the 141 new homes which it has delivered, Sandway Homes and its partners have accessed £1.6m of government funding for its Sefton developments.
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“And by working with local suppliers, Sandway and its partners have also contributed more than £3 million to the local economy.
“Sandway’s three developments have also provided valuable employment and skills to Sefton residents, who make up 45% of the workforce on the Buckley Hill Lane scheme.”