Work is underway to build 24 much-needed affordable homes in County Durham, thanks to a partnership between Yuill Homes and the Vela Group.
Leading North East housebuilder Yuill Homes will deliver eight new two bedroom bungalows for rent at Greenwood Cottages in Thornley Village with funds generated at its successful nearby private housing development, Crossways.
Built with support from Durham County Council and the local parish council, the energy-efficient homes will be available to rent through the Vela Group, which incorporates Tristar Homes and Housing Hartlepool. Each home will be allocated to people in the greatest housing need via the Durham Key Options lettings system.
Stephen Jackson, head of partnership development at Yuill Homes, said: “There is currently a high demand for quality affordable homes to be built across County Durham and its surrounding areas. These schemes will help to meet that demand by providing a mixture of well-crafted contemporary homes to rent for individuals and families who need them.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Vela Group on these important affordable housing schemes. Each scheme also forms part of our Affordable Homes Programme with the Homes and Communities Agency to continue to provide new affordable homes in local communities over the next few years.”
As well as delivering eight new affordable homes in Thornley Village, Yuill Homes is also working in partnership with the Vela Group to develop 16 two and three bedroom homes for rent at its Denewood development in Murton.
Part funded with an investment from the Homes and Communities Agency, the £1.3 million scheme will see each home at the development built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 Standards helping residents to keep their energy bills affordable.
Sarah Fawcett, Head of Development at Vela said “We have a long history of working with Yuill Homes, to deliver attractive, high quality modern homes for customers to rent or buy as shared owners.
“These are our first schemes in Thornley and Murton and we know that people will be delighted with the new homes that we will be able to offer here.”
Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for housing, said: “Durham County Council is committed to ensuring more affordable housing is available across the county and we’re delighted that Yuill Homes are building such good quality homes in line with our strategic aims. The new houses promise to not only be built to a high standard but will also be environmentally friendly, increasing the range of affordable homes for County Durham residents.”
Karen Anderson, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said:
“The Homes and Communities Agency is really pleased to support schemes that help meet the housing needs of residents of local people, especially in villages. We look forward to when they are complete and people can move into new homes in the community of their choice”.