First new energy-efficient council homes completed as part of major overhaul on Bushbury estate

The first of 99 new energy efficient council bungalows homes have been completed as part of a scheme to replace 93 post-war prefabs on the Lincoln Green Estate in Bushbury.

Local residents were yesterday (Wednesday) given a guided tour of the finished homes constructed by Keon Homes on School Lane, with tenants set to move into the first five bungalows by the end of the month (October).

It is part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s citywide strategy to identify solutions for 4,100 homes built by out-dated, non-traditional construction methods.

Demolition of the ageing bungalows is simultaneously taking place across the estate on Alleston Road, Alleston Walk, Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Crescent, Lincoln Green, School Lane, and Wood Lane.

To date, 24 properties have been demolished and the first phase will see 36 bungalows built by summer 2026.

All of the old bungalows have been declared defective under the 1985 Housing Act - and suffer from a number of issues including failing structural elements, leaking and poorly insulated roofs, very poor thermal efficiency, and wet rot in the floor.

The council has therefore taken the decision to replace the properties before they have an adverse effect on tenants’ health and wellbeing.

The new, modern council bungalows will also provide a greater ability to adapt properties to meet tenants’ needs, something which has been difficult to achieve in the out-dated properties due to their structural limitations.

The redevelopment programme is being managed on behalf of the council by Wolverhampton Homes and follows extensive and ongoing consultation with residents.

Existing council tenants, currently living in the out-dated bungalows, will be given the opportunity to move into the new properties. The remaining new homes will be allocated to local people in line with the council’s official housing allocations policy.

Diane Brookshaw of Grosvenor Crescent and Lincoln Green Estate Tenants & Residents’ Association Chair, said:

“I am very, very impressed with the workmanship and the quality - the new homes look absolutely beautiful.

“This is going to have a massive impact on people’s wellbeing because they’ve got homes to be proud of.

“The gardens are a brilliant size, and I can’t find fault with anything – I’m really, really happy.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said:

“This council is all about delivering quality homes for our local residents and these new bungalows certainly deliver on that front – I’m delighted the residents are happy after their first look around.

“The non-traditional built properties they were living are in such poor structural condition that they can no longer be economically and satisfactorily maintained.

“For the safety and comfort of our residents, we are delivering better homes in the long term that they can make their own in the same location.

“We have been talking regularly with all those affected and have engaged with all tenants, with the first ones moving into their brand-new modern homes this month.”

Keon Homes Project Manager, Matt Wilkes, said:

“It’s great for Keon Homes to be helping to regenerate an area that is close to the hearts of so many of our employees – mine included.

“To see our first development with the City of Wolverhampton Council take shape in the manner that it is, is really rewarding. I would like to extend my thanks to every member of our team and our partners for their continued support in ensuring the build is continuing at pace."