Member Article

Affordable housing construction underway in York

Construction work will soon begin on an innovative, affordable housing project in York, after Willow Design and Construction won a contract for the £2m scheme.

The pioneering initiative will include 18 new homes, which will be build in Elvington, York, and the project is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

The estate was backed by City of York planners, and will be funded entirely by a private developer.Developments will include both two-storey houses and bungalows, which will be offered to occupiers through the housing association.

Twelve of the properties will be offered up to rent, and the six remaining developments will be available for joint ownership between the housing association and the occupants.

Managing director of Willow Design & Construction, Anthony Hughes, commented: “As far as we know this scheme is unique in the UK by being totally affordable properties and privately funded.

“York and North Yorkshire, like most of the UK, is very short of affordable housing which faces rapidly increasing demand since the financial crash. We applaud City of York planners for backing this proposal and, like the local authority, we aim to deliver a scheme which the city can be proud off.”

“Clearly there is a shortage of housing generally and house-building is a good way to boost the economy and so many trades are involved in the whole process.”

The scheme has received full private investment from Roy Handley, who owns A1 Haulage in York.

Mr Hughes added: “We are in advanced negotiations with a housing association in Wetherby and hope to reach an agreement in the next couple of weeks so that the scheme can proceed without further delay.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .