City of York Council has secured Homes England funding to increase affordable housing from 40% to 60% at its first two Passivhaus Housing Delivery Programme sites.
Originally, 40% affordable housing was planned for the 34 homes at Duncombe Barracks in Clifton, and the 78 homes at Burnholme in Heworth, over twice as much as required by planning guidelines.
This additional funding now means that 60%, three times the recommended levels of affordable homes, can be delivered across both sites.
Of the 60% affordable housing, 20% of the homes will be allocated for social rent, with the remaining 40% assigned for shared ownership where eligible people can buy between a 35-75% share.
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for housing and safer communities, said: “I’m delighted that residents can now benefit from 60% affordable Passivhaus homes. Not only does this provide much-needed additional social housing, but it offers more support for people struggling to get on the property ladder.”
“The funding secured from Homes England by our Housing Delivery Programme supports our Climate Change Action Plan as these homes will be zero-carbon in use. This also opens the door to even more people on lower incomes benefiting from the high quality and reduced energy use of Passivhaus-standard housing.”
A spokesperson from Homes England, said: “Our support for the provision of additional high-quality Passivhaus affordable housing at the Duncombe Barracks and Burnholme schemes is real evidence of the value that a partnership approach can bring.”
“This investment maximises the opportunity for City of York Council to offer affordable home ownership in an area of real housing affordability pressure.”
Work is underway on the Duncolme Barracks site, with contractor Caddick Construction carrying out the project, starting with drainage, internal roads and foundations. According to York Council, the latter will be built from recycled rubble from demolished and unused buildings. As well as the 34 homes, the development will also feature a car-free route through Duncombe Barracks and the neighbouring site, while 79 trees will also be planted. The project is due to be completed in 2024.
Source: Show House News
