Whitby's Broomfield’s Farm Eco-Homes Development will Provide the Town with "a Lifeline for Affordable Housing"
Whitby is to get 49 new affordable homes.
It comes as North Yorkshire Council has approved a £2.6m grant for an Eco Home development.
The Council stepped in after the original developer pulled out of the project.
Councillor Mark Crane says it's a great development for the town.
Executive member for Housing, Councillor Simon Myers says the homes will be affordable for local people.
Whitby is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, with average house prices soaring to £300,000 – ten times the average local income. This disparity, coupled with a dwindling supply of private rental properties due to the rise of holiday lets, has left many residents struggling to find decent accommodation.
In a bid to tackle this challenge, the North Yorkshire Council has approved a grant of £2,600,000 for the Broomfield’s Farm Eco-Homes Development, a project promising to bring 49 affordable homes to the town.
This development, originally envisioned as a larger project with 60 homes and community facilities, has faced its share of hurdles. The initial developer, MCI Developments, pulled out due to viability concerns, leaving the landowner, Keyland, with no developer or Registered Social Landlord (RSL) to take the project forward. It appeared that the site was destined for the open market, potentially further exacerbating the affordable housing shortage.
However, the North Yorkshire Council, recognizing the dire need for affordable homes in Whitby, stepped in. These efforts culminated in a partnership with Brierley Homes, a housing developer, and Broadacre Homes, an RSL, to deliver the project.
Councillor Myers says the efforts to rescue the scheme have delivered a great result for the town.
The revised scheme, now named Broomfield’s Farm Eco-Homes Development, will provide a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes, catering to a range of housing needs identified in Whitby. The development is strategically located near primary and secondary schools, making it ideal for families with school-age children.
Despite the reduction in the number of homes and the elimination of community facilities due to rising construction costs, the project remains a significant victory for Whitby. It secures the much-needed £2.6 million investment from the Towns Fund, which would have been lost if the project had failed.
Moreover, the homes will be built to the PassivHaus standard, exceeding the original Future Homes Standard. This means the homes will be highly energy-efficient, reducing carbon emissions by 90% compared to standard housing developments. This not only aligns with North Yorkshire's commitment to a zero-carbon future but also significantly reduces living costs for residents, who will benefit from lower energy bills.
The project has received widespread support, with the Whitby Town Deal Board, local MP, and Whitby ward members all expressing their approval. Brierley Homes is committed to engaging with the local community before submitting the planning application, including hosting 'meet the buyer' events.
The project is expected to break ground in March 2025, with homes completed by March 2027. This timeline allows the council to meet the landowner's deadline for the land transaction and ensures the project is delivered within the timeframe of the Towns Fund programme.
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