Council to purchase more affordable housing in Alnwick
26 Jul 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Council has agreed to purchase eight new houses in Alnwick which it will rent out at an affordable rate to local people in housing need.
Earlier this year the council’s cabinet approved the budget spend to acquire the two-bedroomed houses that are part of the Story Homes development that is being built at Riverbrook Gardens off Alnmouth Road, Alnwick.
The legal agreement between the council and Story Homes has now been completed and building work is underway. The first houses are expected to be complete by March 2024 with the final ones due in June 2024; they will be rented out at an affordable rent which will be no more than 80% of the market rent. Once complete, the properties will be rented out to those who are registered with Northumberland Homefinder and people interested should apply at www.northumberlandhomefinder.org.uk
In addition, the council has also secured 11 houses for sale at a discount market rate. Anyone interested can apply to the council who will assess their application against set eligibility criteria. If the application is approved, the applicant can contact Story Homes sales team to discuss reserving a plot.
Northumberland County Councillor, Collin Horncastle, Cabinet member with responsibility for Looking After Our Communities said:
“ Improving the quantity and quality of affordable housing to help create more homes for rent remains one of the council’s top priorities.
“We have made a commitment to provide additional affordable homes in locations where there is an identified housing need and this new, quality affordable housing will be a very welcome addition to the local community.”
Alnwick Town and County Councillor Gordon Castle said:
“It has been identified from the county’s Homefinder application process that there is a high demand and a need for two bedroomed houses in Alnwick.
“Using the S106 agreement in the planning process, is a quick and effective way of delivering new, good quality affordable homes.”
Alnwick Town and County Councillor Martin Swinbank added:
“With the rising cost of living and such uncertainty around rental markets, mortgages and interest rates, it is really difficult for people to get onto the property ladder or to find a home to rent.
“We know new affordable housing is urgently needed for our residents and these high quality, energy efficient homes will cost less to rent, heat and run. “
Stuart Morgan, Story Homes NE Land Director said: “We’re delighted that Northumberland County Council have agreed to purchase eight new homes on our popular Riverbrook Gardens development. The delivery of our modern, high-quality homes will help to support the Council’s aim of improving both the quantity and quality of affordable housing in the area. We look forward to handing over the keys to these fantastic 2-bedroom properties next year.”
Northumberland County Council allocated £45m in its Medium Term Financial Plan up until 2026/7 to help provide more affordable housing in the county, in areas of greatest need.
It is using a range of approaches including working to identify potential development sites, working with housing developers to deliver affordable housing through S106 agreements and facilitating community led schemes, to support the delivery of affordable housing where it is needed most.
It has also put policies in place through the planning system to restrict the use of new build homes as second and holiday homes.