Affordable housing for Amble moves one step forward

24 May 2024

Permission has been granted for the development of 15 new housing units in Amble.  

A unanimous approval of the planning application was made at Northumberland County Council’s North Planning Committee and underscores the collective support for addressing the housing shortage in the northern part of the county.  

The application aims to repurpose redundant garage sites to increase housing stock without developing new sites. The project will transform these into a mix of two-bedroom and one-bedroom bungalows, providing much-needed, specialised designed housing for elderly residents.  

A housing survey identified a significant need for these types of properties in the Amble area and the initiative has the full support of Amble Town Council and local County Councillors.    

Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Looking After our Environment said: " The Council remains steadfast in its mission to expand affordable housing for all residents of Northumberland and this scheme is a welcome addition to our efforts. We are committed to building new, energy-efficient properties to the highest standards, ensuring low running costs for our residents.

"Every resident has the right to a good quality, energy-efficient home that is designed to meet their specific needs. We will continue to prioritise and support initiatives that provide sustainable, energy efficient and affordable housing solutions.”  

Over the past five years, the County has seen almost 1,700 affordable housing units built, with an additional 100 units approaching completion. With various other projects in the pipeline, the Council is set to surpass the 2,000-unit milestone by the end of this year. This is in addition to the Council exceeding all Government targets for general needs, market housing for families wishing to buy their own home.