How Sunderland fly-tipping blackspot has been transformed into 'attractive new homes'

Monkwearmouth-based housing company MCC Homes has worked with Sunderland City Council to complete five bungalows in Elmwood Avenue, Southwick, with the construction of another 15 properties expected to start soon.

Founded in 2017, the firm specialises in delivering smaller residential developments by taking unused pockets of land and returning them to life.

Operations director Luke Lee said: “We are delighted to be developing a strong partnership with Sunderland City Council and we are really pleased that in working with us, they’re backing a local business and Sunderland supply chains, who we always prioritise on our projects.

“As someone who was born and lives in Sunderland, it’s fantastic to be able to work on projects that add value to my home city and that give us spending power to invest in the local supply chain, delivering homes that are made in Sunderland, by Sunderland people, for Sunderland people.”

MCC Homes previously concentrated on its own private developments, mainly in Sunderland, and expanded its horizons when Luke and his brother, Jordan, were joined by managing director Paul McCoy.

The council’s investment in the bungalows is part of a plan which has seen the local authority once again become a Registered Housing Provider, renting its first homes in more than 20 years.

It has also started a programme of construction – building its first new properties in 40 years – as well as buying homes developed by MCC Homes.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, dynamic city portfolio holder at the council, said: “This is a fantastic partnership, that shows the value of the work we are doing as a local authority to invest in our communities.

"Not only are we creating a range of attractive new homes that will meet the needs of people across the city, but we are supporting the local economy in the process, working with local businesses who in turn reinvest that spending power into local people and other local SMEs.

“Local community wealth building is absolutely central to our ambitions as a council. We want as much of the council spend as possible to remain in the city, supporting the private sector and in the process supporting local people and businesses."

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