Expensive village has affordablenew homes

ONE of the most expensive villages in Harrogate district has 11 affordable new homes.

Under council rules they must all be occupied by people connected to the parish of Hampsthwaite, which like many rural villages has a desperate shortage of affordable homes.

Because people who were brought up or work in the village cannot afford to live there this has an impact on the local economy as without their local users and staff, shops, schools, post offices, pubs and village halls struggle to survive.

The local parish council asked Harrogate Council to find a suitable site and a parcel of unused farmland was identified and building work began a year ago.

The complex of 11 homes at Cruet Fold includes seven rented houses and four shared ownership homes.

They are a mix of two or three bedrooms.

Coun Robert Windass, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is another example of high quality housing for local people within the Harrogate district.

“Homes for local people is a high priority for us and we are delighted to have been able to assist in bringing this scheme to completion.

“I hope the families enjoy living in their new homes and with the rent and shared-ownership arrangements, this means that the affordability element will be kept in perpetuity for Hampsthwaite.”

David Collett of Hampsthwaite Parish Council, added: “The parish council is delighted that the affordable housing development at Cruet Fold has been completed. This has met a very real need in the village for local people to have their own homes.”

These rented and shared-ownership homes will be managed by Home Group Housing one of Harrogate Borough Council's housing association partners.