Council to unlock over 200 new social rent homes across Sheffield - Sheffield Labour

24th September, 2026

Plans to bring over 200 new social rent homes to communities across Sheffield have moved a step closer, as councillors are asked to support the sale of council-owned land for affordable housing development.

The proposals were accepted by Sheffield City Council’s Finance and Performance Policy Committee on 21 September, and will see underused brownfield sites across the city sold to Housing Associations to deliver 100% affordable homes for social rent.

The sale of the previously developed land at less than market value is an investment by the Council in local neighbourhoods, providing much needed affordable housing at social rent.

The developments will offer a wide range of residents, including families, older people, young people and those with medical or disability-related priorities a place to live they can call their own.

The sites are located in Darnall, Wincobank, Gleadless Valley, the city centre, Stocksbridge, Hollins End and Colley, helping to create new housing opportunities in communities across Sheffield.

The proposals form the first phase of the Council’s Affordable Housing Land Disposals Programme, part of a wider commitment to boost the supply of affordable homes and tackle the housing need.

By working closely with housing association partners, the programme aims to bring forward developments more quickly while making the best use of council-owned land that has remained vacant or underused for several years.

The sites can deliver over 200 social rent homes, significantly more than would typically be secured through standard open-market development.

Councillor Elle Dodd (Chair of Finance and Performance Committee):

“We are turning vacant brownfield land into new affordable homes. By working with our partner Housing Associations we will bring forward over 200 homes at social rent in communities across Sheffield.

“This is a big step forward in building more council, social and affordable homes across the city. It’s the first time in many years that the Council has used its land to enable Housing Associations to build homes for social rent.”

“We’re delivering on Sheffield Labour’s commitment to build more genuinely affordable, high-quality homes, make the best use of brownfield land, and ensure that investment and opportunity are spread throughout Sheffield.”

Subject to planning permission and funding approvals, the majority of homes are expected to be completed during 2028 and 2029.