High-rise flats at Berry Brow earmarked for demolition will be used to house homeless people, saving Kirklees Council hundreds of thousands of pounds in B&B accommodation.

The local authority is currently drawing up its annual budget for 2023-24 and needs to make savings.

Holme Park Court and Bishops Court are set to be demolished and replaced with new social housing and tenants are gradually being moved out.

Kirklees Council has said that the blocks will not be left empty and “several” will “continue to be used as temporary accommodation for individuals and couples seeking a permanent home.”

The council said it was making “good progress” with rehousing existing residents and as more tenants move out, homeless people will move in temporarily.

In 2021 tenants voted for the two blocks to be demolished rather than repaired amid safety fears in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster.

Kirklees Council starts on long-term plan to move tenants out of Berry Brow flats earmarked for demolition

The council announced £36 million plans to flatten the site and build new social housing last summer and said it could take up to two years to move all tenants out.

Clr Cathy Scott, Cabinet member for housing and democracy, said: “This is an excellent example of the council making best use of its limited resources whilst delivering good value for money and better outcomes by avoiding the need to place households in expensive bed and breakfast, where possible.

“As demand for housing and emergency accommodation increases, we are looking for more opportunities to increase our available properties.”

Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact the council by speaking to their housing officer.