Planning approved for affordable bungalows at New Hartley

Planning permission has been granted for a Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland led scheme to build nine affordable bungalows at New Hartley near Seaton Delaval, providing housing for residents in need.

The two-bedroomed bungalows will be built on a site off Lysdon Avenue and will be available for affordable rent.  These properties will be made available to a range of residents who require accessible ground floor accommodation, regardless of age.

The properties have been specifically designed to allow residents to remain in their homes for as long as possible should their physical or mental health begin to deteriorate.

There will be level access to the bungalows with adaptations including wider doorways for wheelchair access and suitable turning circles for wheelchair users in necessary areas. There will be level access showers and specific positioning of the toilets and sinks to allow full access to emergency services in the event of a fall in the bathroom.

Work is due to start on site in Summer with Advance Northumberland’s house building arm leading the construction of the scheme. The scheme is being funded by Northumberland County Council with help from a Home's England grant, aimed at accelerating the development of new affordable homes.

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing said:

“Improving the quantity and quality of affordable housing to help create more homes for rent remains one of the council’s top priorities. Even a small number of affordable homes can really benefit the whole community.

“Northumberland has a growing elderly population with changing housing needs. We know there are residents in and around New Hartley who are looking to down-size from larger properties but who want to stay in the village and live independently, close to their neighbours, family and friends. These new affordable bungalows will help to fill a specific need for this area, while freeing up larger accommodation for families in need.”

Robin Earl, Advance Northumberland’s Group Executive Director, said: “Advance Northumberland are pleased to be starting our partnership working with Northumberland County Council in developing this part-used site that we own to create nine much needed bungalows for the area. This will also be the start of our shared desire towards the delivery of our sustainability strategy, to reduce carbon, and also tackle rising fuel costs”.

Anyone interested in renting one of these properties will need to join Northumberland Homefinder –  http://www.northumberlandhomefinder.org.uk where they can search and bid for properties once they have been advertised.