Bellway and east Leeds city council have agreed a £1.2 billion joint venture to transform a number of deprived neighbourhoods across five city wards. The extensive 1,700ha EASEL (east and south east Leeds) physical and social regeneration programme will provide 5,000 new homes, new neighbourhood centres, schools, health care facilities and public realm improvements. “The EASEL project is a major long-term commitment to improve one of the city’s most deprived areas,” said councillor Les Carter. “Only the right partnership with an experienced major developer can provide the solutions needed and Bellway fits the bill. We can now move forward in tackling the root causes of deprivation in east and south east Leeds, helping ensure a brighter future for these communities.” Planning applications for more than 700 new homes on eight initial sites have been submitted, with work expected to start on site before the year-end.