Local workforce targeted as work begins on new homes development at Swanland Park in Helmsley

Work is now underway on a new housing development at Wharfedale Homes’ Swanland Road site in Helmsley.

The development, which will see the construction of 60 new homes, is set to create employment opportunities by recruiting local subcontractors and two on-site sales staff.

The collection of stone built properties will be completed in three phases.

Wharfedale Homes is employing local subcontractors to carry out joinery, labour and landscaping work. The property developer is also recruiting two part-time sales advisors who will be based at the new housing scheme.

Chris Patmore, director of Wharfedale Homes, said: “We have spent nearly ten years working through the planning system to be able to bring this site forward.

“We have worked closely with the local community, the Helmsley estate, National Park Planning Officers and the National Park Committee to create a superb development which is worthy of its very special location.”

The town’s facilities have also benefitted with a contribution of £44k being made to improvement works to the Helmsley Recreation Ground from the company’s previous development at Linkfoot Lane.

For 2017, Wharfedale Homes has partnered with Helmsley In Business to fund printing and distribution of 75,000 brochures to attract visitors to the area.

Carolyn Frank, chair of Helmsley in Business and owner of Libby Butler Jewellers, said: “It’s great to see work starting on the new development and to hear that interest has been so high. We’re very lucky to live and work in such a wonderful community, and it will be great to welcome new people to it.

“But in addition, it’s good to know that there will also be properties available for local people to either rent or buy. Helmsley in Business is already working closely with Wharfedale Homes to help promote the area, and to make sure that new residents feel welcomed and informed about the town, when the first homes are completed.”

Mr Patmore added: “As a company we specialise in building homes to blend sympathetically with their surroundings. We have achieved that with our first development of twenty homes at Linkfoot Lane and plan to do the same at Swanland Park.”