Partner Article

Work starts on £2m affordable homes

Work is set to start on a multi-million pound affordable homes scheme for people in the greatest housing need in Northumberland.

The development of 16 affordable homes in Stocksfield will be built by Two Castles Housing Association, working alongside Esh Property Services, as part of the Hadrian Solutions Partnership.

With more than 4,000 people in Northumberland currently identified as being in housing need, demand for quality affordable homes is greater than ever. The £2.2 million scheme will be specifically available for people who live in the village or have a local connection to the surrounding area.

Situated on land west of the Grove in New Ridley, the scheme will deliver 16 high quality two and three bedroom homes and bungalows, some of which will provide shared ownership opportunities for local first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder.

Rob Brittain, property services director at Two Castles Housing Association, said: “While demand remains acutely high, quality affordable housing continues to be in short supply in towns and villages across Northumberland. New housing schemes like our latest development at Anick View in Hexham continue to be over-subscribed by people and their families who are struggling to stay in the communities they call home.

“We’re committed to building sustainable rural communities and are pleased to be getting started on building these much-needed affordable homes with our partners which will help provide shared ownership and affordable rent opportunities for local people in Stocksfield.”

Construction of the development was due to start earlier this year, but was delayed after an overhead power cable had to relocated below ground by National Powergrid.

Each new home will incorporate a number of energy-efficient features such as efficient boilers and insulation to help residents keep their energy bills affordable. Part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) with an investment of £360,000 and with support from Northumberland County Council, the scheme is now due to be completed by September 2016.

Graham Morgan, Divisional Director, of Esh Property Services, explained: “This is a great scheme and we’re delighted to be building these important new homes at Stocksfield in conjunction with Two Castles Housing Association as part of the Hadrian Development Solutions Partnership.

“During the scheme we will be looking to create local employment opportunities particularly for apprentice trades and to work closely with the community and local schools through our Building My Skills education programme.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Castles & Coasts .