GARAGE sites across Kirklees are being considered for housing.

The development potential of 80 of the council's 200 garage sites is being looked at.

Kirklees Council owns a large number of domestic garage sites.

But many of them are dilapidated.

A report is being prepared to find out which sites could be suitable for private finance initiative (PFI) cash.

Money would then be used to develop them for social housing, in the form of accommodation for small families and the elderly.

A report to the council's overview and scrutiny panel for regeneration says about 60% of the council's garage sites are unsuitable for development because of size, access or other planning and space rules.

Some sites are also defined as urban green space in the Urban Development Plan.

Site investigations are being done at 80 locations. Initial assessments should be completed by the end of June.

The selected sites would be used for new social housing if they are suitable for a PFI bid.

Arrangements would also need to be made for compensating and providing new garages for tenants if the council decides to repossess their garage.