North Yorkshire's community gets a boost with two new rural 'affordable' housing schemes

A housing association has revealed its plans to begin work two rural ‘affordable’ property schemes in the region.

Broadacres, the housing association aforementioned, used Rural Housing Week (July 1-5) to reveal the work which will be shortly underway on the two schemes in West Witton and Carlton Miniott.

All of the homes will be allocated to people with a ‘connection’ to the area, which is said to meet the need of ensuring rural areas remain sustainable for future generations.

Gail Teasdale, chief executive of Broadacres, said: “We are delighted to be able to shortly start work on two strategic rural housing developments, which will provide high quality homes for local people.

“Due to their complexity, rural schemes of this nature are difficult to progress so it’s testament to the fantastic support we receive from our partners which is bringing these developments to fruition.

“Ensuring our rural communities remain sustainable for future generations is an important part of Broadacres’ housing strategy and ultimately it’s our goal to become the best rural housing provider in the UK.”

At the West Witton scheme, Broadacres is working in partnership with Hartforth Homes. The development will consist of eight of the 17 homes being built on a field at Harenda Field, in the village centre.

Once complete, with an estimated date of autumn 2020, six of the two and three-bedroom homes will be allocated via discounted sale. Two will be available for rent.

The scheme is being supported by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Richmondshire District Council and Homes England.

On the Carlton Miniott site, Broadacres is working with Moody Construction, and building seven properties. The site is currently used for farming, however the housing association has been granted permission to build homes here for local people.

Set to be completed in July 2020, it will provide two and three-bedroom homes for shared ownership, as well as one and two-bedroom homes for rent.

Gail Teasdale, Broadacres’ chief executive, added: “We are delighted to be able to shortly start work on two strategic rural housing developments, which will provide high quality homes for local people.

“Due to their complexity, rural schemes of this nature are difficult to progress so it’s testament to the fantastic support we receive from our partners which is bringing these developments to fruition.

“Ensuring our rural communities remain sustainable for future generations is an important part of Broadacres’ housing strategy and ultimately it’s our goal to become the best rural housing provider in the UK.”

Richmond (Yorks) MP Rishi Sunak and Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake, both visited the new development sites in their respective constituencies.

Sunak concluded: “This is a great site for new housing for local people. It is an ideal infill development close to the centre of the village which will provide the homes the area needs to meet local demand and also help sustain local services.”