Council housebuilding has taken many forms over the years, from the traditional council home for rent through to today’s mixed-tenure schemes, delivered by council housing companies or in partnership. Twelve years ago, a government green paper, called Homes for the Future, heralded a fresh generation of local housing companies, initiated by councils working with private sector partners to deliver homes on public land. Sheffield Housing Company was one of 14 to pilot that approach, and has endured.

The company was formed by Sheffield council, Keepmoat and Great Places Housing Group, with an initial 15-year remit to deliver 2,000 homes and give a boost to local neighbourhoods, housing markets and employment. To deliver on its objectives, the joint venture relies on the expertise of its partners and just three permanent staff, including director John Clephan. Clephan helped to originate the company in his previous role managing the council’s regeneration team and has led it since its launch in 2011.

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