Planning approval marks milestone for rural affordable housing in the Yorkshire Dales

Planning permission has been granted for four homes in the Yorkshire Dales, marking an important milestone in a partnership between North Star Housing Group and the Upper Dales Community Land Trust (UDCLT) to deliver much-needed affordable rural housing.

The development in Langthwaite, Arkengarthdale, will provide two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom houses for social rent, incorporating energy-efficient technology such as air-source heat pumps and solar panels to help reduce energy costs for future tenants.

The homes will be let through a local lettings policy, giving priority to people with a strong connection to the area. In rural communities, where second-home ownership and high private rents can create a scarcity of affordable housing, the scheme will support the long-term sustainability of local communities by enabling people to remain in the areas where they have established their lives.

The development was brought to North Star by the Upper Dales Community Land Trust, building on the organisations' successful collaboration to renovate the former Methodist chapel in Bainbridge, which now provides two high-quality affordable flats for local people.

Close liaison took place with Planning Officers at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to ensure that the design meets the high standards required within the National Park.

An application will be made to Homes England for grant support, alongside investment from North Star and North Yorkshire Council, via the UDCLT.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, subject to final preparations.

Emma Speight, Executive Director of Assets and Growth at North Star Housing said:

‘We are thrilled to be working with the Upper Dales Community Land Trust again to provide more rural affordable homes in this beautiful location. It’s taken a lot of hard work, commitment and support by many to get to this stage and we’re really looking forward to progressing this project, getting on site and welcoming tenants into these new fabulous homes.’

Stephen Stubbs, Chair of the Upper Dales Community Land Trust, said:

“We are delighted that planning permission has been granted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park, allowing this much-needed affordable housing project to move forward. I would like to thank everyone who has supported the project along the way, particularly North Star Housing Group, North Yorkshire Council and the local community.
“Our partnership with North Star has been excellent throughout, and we look forward to working together to deliver four high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people.
“We hope to begin construction later this year and are excited to see these much-needed homes become a reality for Arkengarthdale.”

Anyone interested in applying for one of the homes can find further information at www.udclt.co.uk or by emailing UDCLtrust@gmail.com.