Work is just getting started on the building of eight new affordable homes in the Northumberland village of Stannington.
Social landlord Isos Housing is leading the £800,000 development, and the main contractor is Morpeth-based NB Clark.
Isos is providing four 3 bed houses and four 2 bed bungalows on the site, located on land next to Beechlea on the northern edge of the village.
The development is being funded by Isos alongside a contribution of £200,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The architect is HMH Architects, based in Gateshead.
Isos has consulted extensively with Northumberland County Council and with Stannington Parish Council, to ensure the new homes match local housing needs.
Vince Walsh, development and regeneration manager for Isos Housing, said: “We know the level of demand for good quality, affordable homes in an attractive village like Stannington.
“We often find that families are being priced out of areas where their parents and grandparents have lived, so it’s vital for the local area that we can provide these homes in such an excellent location.”
Allan Hepple, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing people in Northumberland and the council has placed a strong emphasis on building new affordable homes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Isos Housing to provide much needed affordable family homes, allowing local people to stay in areas where they grew up.”
The new homes in Stannington form part of Isos’ regionwide development programme for 2016/17, with new affordable homes being built on a variety of sites – a total of 254 new homes are due to be completed by March 31st 2017.