Three new homes for ‘local’ people have been officially opened – adding to the portfolio of a village housing charity. They bring to six the number of properties owned by the Hudswell Community 
Charity in an innovative scheme that sees them rented out to people from Hudswell and neighbouring Downholme.
Local MP, Rishi Sunak, opened the Thompson Field development of one two bedroom and two three bedroom bungalows – the only scheme of its type in North Yorkshire.
Charity Chair, Don Farrar, said the charity already owns and manages three homes and has been working for the past three years to deliver the three new ones. “We know that many people who have strong local connections cannot afford to buy a home in Hudswell,” he said.
“So we are helping to meet the need for affordable rented housing, which allows people in this position to stay, or move back to the village.”
The homes were built by local developer Acomb Construction Ltd, on land known as Thompson Field – it was endowed to the charity from a local benefactor to benefit the community. The development benefitted from funding of £80,000 from the charity’s reserves, a loan of £250,000 from the Charity Bank and a £40,000 grant from Richmondshire District Council.
Richmondshire District Council Leader, Councillor Yvonne Peacock added: “The District Council was delighted to be able to support the community led housing project in Hudswell and we hope that the great work that they have been doing inspires other community groups to bring forward additional projects across the district.“We are fully committed to supporting the delivery of affordable housing especially in our rural areas and want to hear from any parish or community group who have similar plans.”
Richmondshire District Council’s community led housing fund can be used to support all aspects of delivery of community led housing such as:
• Conduct a Housing Need Survey
• Set up a legal structure• Implement and carry out a feasibility study
• Employ an architect to draw up plans and take to planning application stage
• Put out a tender brief for a builder• Identify possible funding opportunities
To find out more – contact Mark Robson or Amanda Madden on 01748 901112
Photo caption: Rishi Sunak is pictured (left) with members of the Hudswell team.
MORE INFORMATION
Aly Thompson (communications officer) on 01748 901019
December 12, 2017