DOZENS of much-needed affordable homes
will be built in Richmondshire, as part of a massive new
development at Catterick Garrison.
Melva Steckles, Leader of Richmondshire District Council, today
welcomed plans to build 44 family homes and 15 flats to meet the
high demand for low-cost housing in the district – and pledged to
continue to work with existing Garrison residents to deliver the
best possible scheme for the area.
Richmondshire is identified as an area of "high need" for
affordable housing by the Revised Draft Regional Spatial Strategy,
and research conducted by York University in 2006 found that
Richmondshire was the 12th least affordable local authority area in
Great Britain.
Affordable homes are those that you can buy or rent for less
money than they would cost on the open market. Richmondshire
District Council works in partnership with housing associations,
landowners and the private sector to deliver as many affordable
homes as possible.
Coun Steckles said: "There is no question that affordable
housing is a big issue in Richmondshire, and we are doing
everything we can to tackle it. Indeed, when we asked residents
what they wanted to talk about at this year's State of the District
Debate, almost a quarter [22 per cent] said we should be discussing
housing.
"That's why these new affordable homes at Catterick Garrison are
so welcome. There is a real need for them, and this development
will make such a difference."
Last week councillors on Richmondshire District Council's
planning committee gave the go-ahead to a development of 44
affordable two, three and four-bedroom homes at Somerset Close.
They also approved outline planning permission for a major town
centre development, including 15 more affordable units. It was the
biggest planning application Richmondshire District Council has
ever dealt with.
Coun Steckles added: "We recognise there are some concerns among
existing residents about the affordable housing scheme, and we have
listened closely to those concerns and worked with the developers
to achieve the best result for the district as a whole.
"That process hasn't ended, by any means, and we will keep
continue to listen to what Catterick Garrison residents are telling
us to make sure everyone benefits from this exciting new
development."
The applicants, Defence Estates, have entered into negotiations
with Tees Valley Housing and Broadacres Housing Association
regarding the delivery and management of the units.
It is anticipated that the Somerset Close homes development will
be roughly one third rented and two thirds shared ownership – a
scheme by which residents can buy at least part of their home.
Print page