NEARLY 400 new construction jobs are being created due to strong local demand for new homes.

Housebuilding group Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has announced plans to open at least four new sites in West Yorkshire this year, leading to 387 local construction jobs. The new sites will underpin 774 existing jobs .

The new developments include Bluebell Woods in Wyke, Bradford and Hewenden Ridge in Cullingworth.

The expansion plans follows a strong recovery in the housing market after the launch of the the Government’s Help to Buy scheme which provides support to assist people onto the housing ladder or to move home.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes already have a number of developments in West Yorkshire, including Garnett Wharfe in Otley and Vision in Keighley.

The company employs predominately local sub-contractors and tradesmen who are set to benefit from the latest expansion in its development programme.

Sam Wood, sales director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West, said: “We have seen demand for new homes expand very quickly over the year and the new sites we are opening mean that there will be more choice for local buyers.

“And it’s good news for the local economy as in addition to the local construction jobs underpinned by building the new homes, the local people who move into the new housing will also spend their wages locally. This means a significant boost for local retailers as well. It’s exactly what this area needs.

“The really great news this year is the continuation of Help to Buy equity mortgages, which means first time buyers and those moving up the housing ladder can get moving with just a five per cent deposit, a 20 per cent equity loan, and a 75 per cent mortgage.”

l BRADFORD and Leeds law firm Schofield Sweeney has completed the purchase of a site at ProLogis Park on Rooley Lane, Bradford, on behalf of client Frank Marshall Estates.

Darren Birkinshaw, partner, said: “I was pleased to have acted upon Frank Marshall Estates securing the acquisition of this prime development site, with great transport links, being at the top of the M606 motorway and adjoining other major schemes on the award-winning ProLogis Park.” Prologis Park is the site of Marks and Spencer’s Northern distribution centre.