Housing chief to see rural scheme praised for design

Robert Napier will meet one of the residents of Newton on Ouse’s George Crescent scheme during the visit on Wednesday.

The Broadacres development was shortlisted for a Yorkshire Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award earlier this year as well as a North and East Yorkshire Building Excellence Award.

It has been recognised for its architecture and high standard of green building design; and for reducing its carbon emissions.

Bosses claims this proves that social housing can compete within the private property sector for producing pioneering and exciting developments.

Broadacres worked in partnership with Hambleton District Council and Newton on Ouse Parish Council to provide 12 homes – nine for rent and three for shared ownership. The HCA provided £609,000 for the scheme.

The development was initially proposed by a local landowner. George Clark who approached Hambleton District Council in 2004, suggesting that a piece of his land was used to provide affordable housing for the village.

He said he wanted to give something back to his local community and help young people have the opportunity to remain in the area.

Sadly, he died before being able realise his life long dream for the village.

However Hambleton’s Rural Housing Enabler, Amanda Madden, has worked with his widow, Doreen, to bring his dream to fruition.

Brian Mayne, Broadacres chairman, said: “This development demonstrates our ongoing commitment to producing high quality rural housing to meet the needs of local people.

“We are very proud of this development and it is a real tribute to have Robert Napier visit.”

During his visit Napier will meet single parent, Sally Harland, 43, and her eight-year-old son William, who have been able to settle in Newton on Ouse after moving five times in eight years.

“This development means the world to me,” she said. “After a traumatic and unstable few years, I’m extremely thankful for the security that my son and I now have.”