Places for People submit plans to develop Tyne and Wear brownfield site into affordable homes

The UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People (PfP), has revealed plans to redevelop The Croft in Ryton, creating 14 social rent homes on the brownfield site.

The Croft, formerly a sheltered housing scheme, along with an unused PfP Landscapes depot, will be transformed into a vibrant community of two and three-bedroom family homes.

Working in partnership with Tandem Construction, PfP aims to repurpose this brownfield land to bring forward much-needed affordable homes to the area.

Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North at Places for People said: "We are thrilled to be submitting plans to transform this brownfield land as we continue to pursue new development opportunities as part of our commitment to support the Government’s housing ambitions.

“This site has been unused for many years, and we look forward to working with Tandem Construction to bring this vision to life and deliver much needed social rent homes to the area.”

A semi-rural town in the North East of England, Ryton is a popular choice for commuters to Newcastle and Gateshead. As well as a wide variety of schools, healthcare services, and eateries, residents enjoy a variety of green spaces, and the area has been hailed as one of the top 10 healthiest places to live in Britain.

Tandem Construction said: “Tandem Construction is delighted to be partnering with Places for People to bring forward two vacant sites in Ryton providing a boost to affordable homes within the community. The development builds on our strong existing relationship with Places for People, and we look forward to collaborating once again to help bring their vision to life.”

Nilam continued: “PfP understands the importance of access to affordable housing and is committed to creating and supporting thriving communities. Social value is at the heart of this approach and once planning permission is secured, we will work with the council and partners to identify the most effective way to deliver this.”

Ryton Cllr and Cabinet Member for Housing Chris Buckley said “Places for People is a valued partner of the Council and I’m delighted they’ve brought forward this scheme. The old sheltered housing site was becoming an eye sore so to have it demolished and replaced with affordable homes will be a massive benefit to the community.”

Planning for the development has been submitted, with a target for construction to commence in early 2026 if approved.