Affordable homes to tackle shortage

Up to 22 families from around Malton and Norton are expected to be moving in to the new development, on the site of a former care home at Briarwood Court, Norton, within a matter of weeks after housing chiefs cut the ribbon at the site.

The houses, which are available to rent, have been built by Yorkshire Housing in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale District Council and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and it is claimed will make a real impact to residents in the area.

The head of economy and housing at Ryedale District Council, Julian Rudd, said: “High house prices and low average wages in Ryedale mean that there is an urgent need for affordable housing for local people.

“The district council works hard with its partners to provide housing that Ryedale people can afford and these homes are specifically for occupation by people in housing need in the Norton area.”

The Yorkshire and Humber region is facing up to the worst position for affordable housing in more than 60 years as the result of a yawning gulf between workers’ wages and house prices.

In North Yorkshire, the problem is even more acute, with average house prices almost £210,000 while average earnings last year were less than £19,000. The gross annual income required for a mortgage in North Yorkshire is almost £54,000.

The business and development director at Yorkshire Housing, Ged Walsh, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the completion of the site and we look forward to welcoming the new families into the homes in the coming weeks.

“Many local families and young people have been priced out of the housing market, so being able to provide affordable homes for local people is vital.”