Affordable homes to be built in Peak District village

A survey carried out by Derbyshire Dales District Council last year found that 18 households were in need of new homes, and these four new houses will go some way towards satisfying this need.

Planning permission has been granted by the Peak District National Park Authority for the two-bedroomed, semi-detached houses which will be available to rent.

National Park Authority planning committee chairman, Coun Hilda Gaddum, said: "I'm happy to say the committee unanimously approved the scheme.

"The houses are designed to fit the authority's guidelines – stone-built to blend with the cottage architecture of the village's conservation area, with high standards of insulation and energy efficiency."

The houses, on vacant land in Main Street, are to be developed by local builders Wilcockson Construction of Hathersage, which has an agreement with the Peak District Rural Housing Association to take them over when building work ends next spring.

Housing association manager Alison Clamp said: "We're very pleased the authority gave its approval. The survey proved that two-bedroomed homes for young families are certainly needed in Calver, where I have been looking for suitable sites for about 15 years."

Isabel Bellamy, rural housing enabler for Derbyshire Dales District Council, added: "This is welcome news for Calver, where we've calculated that people need a household income of 45,000 a year to buy their first home.

"An entry-level home here would cost about 134,950, with a deposit of 25 per cent, which is beyond many local young people.

"The new homes will be rented to long-time local residents in housing need. Those who want to apply should register at www.home-options.org or 01629 761311."