Work will soon get under way on a £12m development set to bring affordable housing to a Northumberland village.
Karbon Homes has secured planning permission for a development of 63 affordable homes in Bellingham, Northumberland, on the former auction mart site, a plot long-earmarked for housing. The scheme will include 14 bungalows, 14 apartments, 15 houses and 20 care ready supported housing apartments.
The firm said the development will provide much-needed affordable housing in the area which will be available for affordable rent, rent to buy, and shared ownership for older people. Vince Walsh, development manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured planning for this new development and look forward to progressing forward in the coming months. Providing more affordable homes in rural communities like Bellingham is something we’re really passionate about.
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“We often find that families are being priced out of areas where their parents and grandparents have lived, and that accessible, retirement living options aren’t as readily available in rural areas, so it’s vital for the local area that we can provide these homes in such an excellent location.
“We hope the community will welcome access to good quality, affordable housing in the area. From first-time buyers to those looking to downsize, we’re confident this development will meet the needs of local people.”
The development forms part of Karbon’s £131.5m strategic partnership with Homes England to develop 2,200 affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire and will contribute towards Karbon’s pledge to develop at least 10% of the 2,200 funded homes in rural communities.
The development has also secured a grant from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, which supports the development of brownfield sites across the region.
NTCA deputy mayor Norma Redfearn, who is the authority’s cabinet member for housing, land and development, said: “This development is great news for Bellingham and will have a positive impact on residents across the region. It will revitalise the old Auction Mart into affordable homes - creating new jobs and new opportunities in the process. As the NTCA’s housing lead, I’m pleased we could help to transform this empty site and invest in this proud community.”