Plans to deliver a new £1.4 million affordable housing development at a former Cumbria County Council depot in Sedbergh near Kendal have been outlined by a partnership between Two Castles Housing Association and Esh Group.
The Hadrian Development Solutions Partnership has had its initial plans accepted to build ten new affordable homes that will include three two-bedroom bungalows, as well as five two-bedroom and two three-bedroom townhouses for rent at the former depot on Guldrey Lane.
The development, which will be built to Code Level Three Sustainable Standards, will be part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) with support from Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council. People in the greatest housing need with a local connection to the town or surrounding area will be considered for the new homes.
Rob Brittain, property services director at Two Castles Housing Association, said: “We’re delighted that our initial plans have been accepted to build a new affordable housing development in Sedbergh. The proposed development would help to deliver high quality homes for local people to rent in the area and will benefit the wider community by improving a site which has stood derelict for a number of years.
“Working with Esh Group as part of the innovative Hadrian Development Solutions Partnership is helping Two Castles to deliver more affordable homes in rural communities across the North West and we hope that this development would go some way to meet current demands in the area for affordable homes.”
Two Castles will now submit detailed plans for consideration in December, with construction work at the proposed development due to start on-site in early 2013 subject to a Section 106 Agreement.
David Halfacre, Chairman of Esh Property Services explained: “We are working closely with Two Castles on a number of schemes in Cumbria under our Hadrian Development Solutions Partnership. We are pleased that this first scheme within the National Park has taken a major step forward, we are keen to ensure these much needed affordable homes are available to local people as soon as possible.”
Jacqui Walsh, Area Manager at the HCA, said: “Bringing public sector land back into use is one of the Agency’s key priorities so we’re pleased to be able to support this rural affordable housing development that will provide new homes for local people. We’re looking forward to working with partners to help bring the plans to fruition.”
County councillor Stewart Young, Cabinet member for Property, said: "This is the last of three parcels of land which in 2008 the County Council agreed to make available for affordable housing. I am delighted that this work is now progressing, and looking forward to working with Two Castles to finalise the transfer of the land.”
South Lakeland District Council’s portfolio holder for Housing and Development, Cllr Jonathan Brook, said: “We are committed to working in partnership to promote the development of affordable homes to meet local need. This is an excellent example of such work and we look forward to seeing these homes built and occupied by local people. Such developments bring benefits not just for those housed, but also play an important part in enabling the future sustainability and economic prosperity of communities across our district.”
