Ceremony marks the beginning of 'affordable' housing development in Barnsley

Construction of a new ‘affordable’ housing development in Barnsley is now underway with the breaking of the first ground off Catherine’s Walk in Athersley South.

This is the largest new build development that Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has undertaken for many years. Once completed - due in autumn 2019 - it will provide 54 affordable homes for families and older people in an area of acute housing need.

The £5.7m development will be part funded by a £2m Homes England grant: it will comprise 40 houses, eight apartments and six bungalows. Five of the homes will be available for shared ownership and the remainder for rent.

The development will be built by South Yorkshire based construction company, Engie and will take approximately fifteen months to complete. It is situated in the middle of an existing housing estate, next to South Athersley Primary School.

LYHA is paying a contribution to the school as part of the planning approval and has been involving local school children in the project already.

Joanna Chambers, head of home and growth at LYHA, said: “We have asked the children to come up with names for the new streets which have now been suggested to Barnsley Council.

“They have also been busy creating lots of fantastic ‘Danger - Keep Out’ signs to go up around the perimeter fencing.”

Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet support member for place at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see this development underway.

“Barnsley Council has ambitious plans for future housing in the borough and by working in partnership with Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association we are able deliver the highest quality, affordable homes. This is a major development in an area where additional housing is much needed.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →