Rare rural housing estate where every home is 'affordable' takes shape in this Lancashire village
The first entirely affordable rural housing scheme in Ribble Valley - and one of only a few in the UK - is taking shape in Chatburn.
The Crow Trees Farm development will feature 37 properties, all for affordable social rent and shared ownership, by households with a combined income of up to £80,000, depending on the tenure, with priority given to those with a strong Chatburn connection.
All new housing developments in Ribble Valley comprise 30 per cent affordable properties that meet a local need and attract a mix of people of all ages and circumstances to help create a balanced community. And while entirely affordable schemes aren’t uncommon in urban areas, the Crow Trees Farm development, comprising five bungalows, eight flats, 10 two-bedroom, 10 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom houses, all of them available at an affordable tenure, is rare in a rural location.
The scheme is being developed by social housing provider MSV Housing, with the support of Ribble Valley Borough Council and funding from Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.
Shared ownership allows you to buy between 25 and 75 per cent of a property, with an affordable rent on the remainder, while social rent properties are available for rent below the market value.
Mark Hindle, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and housing committee, said: “The provision of affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing the council, particularly in rural areas, and this Chatburn scheme is a one-off.
“Affordable housing is an ideal way for some residents to access the housing market and we are delighted that these high-quality properties are becoming available in a village location where affordable properties are virtually non-existent. We would like to thank MSV Housing Group and Homes England for bringing this much-needed scheme to fruition.”
Stuart Smallman, head of growth at MSV Housing Group, said: “We are proud to be delivering these Chatburn homes in association with our partners Pringle Homes, Ribble Valley Borough Council and Homes England. Crow Trees Farm will provide a rare opportunity for local people, who would otherwise be priced out of the housing market, to access high-quality affordable homes in a rural setting.”
Shahi Islam, Homes England’s director of affordable housing grants, said: “Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting rural and urban local authorities to achieve their affordable housing ambitions.
“The Crow Trees Farm development is an excellent example of this and working in partnership with Ribble Valley Borough Council and MSV Housing will bring 37 new homes to Chatburn to boost housing affordability for the local community.”
To register for an affordable rental property, go to ribblevalley.gov.uk, or phone Ribble Valley Borough Council’s housing team on 01200 425111.