Work on North Yorkshire’s first community led housing scheme got underway last week in Richmondshire.
Villagers in Hudswell – already famous for its award winning community pub – have come together to build three houses for local people who cannot afford to buy a home there.
Hudswell Community Charity has raised £80,000 towards the scheme – to add to a £250,000 loan from Charity Bank and a £40,000 grant from Richmondshire District Council.
“We know that many people who have strong local connections cannot afford to buy a home in Hudswell,” said Don Farrar, chair of Hudswell Community Charity.
“So we are building affordable rented housing ourselves – for people to stay, or move back to the village.”
Richmondshire District Council corporate director, Callum McKeon, added: “The district council is delighted to be able to support the community led housing project in Hudswell as the first of its kind in North Yorkshire 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.”
Parish councils and community groups can contact Amanda Madden, the council’s rural housing enabler for further information about the support on offer.
Contact her on 01748-901117.
