Former PM backs ‘vital’ housing scheme

A new housing development in rural North Yorkshire has won the backing of its high-profile local MP.

Former Prime Minister and Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, who is MP for Richmond and Northallerton, visited East Cowton to tour Magna Rise, a 68-home scheme delivering “much-needed” affordable housing to the village. 

The site, which is being developed by housing association Karbon Homes along with construction partner Adderstone Living, has been praised for helping local people stay in the area to live, work and raise their families.

Once complete, the scheme will offer homes for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy, with priority being given to people with a local connection.

During his visit, Mr Sunak met with the site team, local councillors and members of the Karbon Homes leadership to discuss the importance of rural housing.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see this high-quality, community-led development taking shape here in East Cowton. 

“Projects like this are vital for ensuring that people can continue to live, work, and raise their families in the villages they love.

“It was great to meet the team making it happen – and to see firsthand how these new homes will make a real difference to the future of this area.”

The development has been part-funded through Karbon Homes’ £181 million strategic partnership with Homes England, which aims to deliver 2324 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire by 2026.  

Karbon has also committed to delivering ten per cent of these homes in rural communities such as East Cowton. 

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, who met with Mr Sunak during his visit to the site, said: “It was great to have Rishi join us for a visit to our East Cowton development to see how these much-needed affordable homes are progressing. 

“As is common with rural villages like East Cowton, the limited housing investment over the years has resulted in a decline of new people moving to the area. 

“It’s great to receive such positive feedback on our approach to combating this issue, working closely with the East Cowton parish council to design a scheme to meet the needs of young people and families wanting to move to the village. 

“It reinforces just how important our investment in new homes is and we hope to see this scheme play a role in helping the community to thrive.” 

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