Planning permission has been submitted for a new form of housing aimed at people who are struggling to get on the property ladder. Cumbrian based eQuality Homes have submitted the application to build 27 affordable homes in Kirkby Stephen.
The site itself is close to the local amenities of Kirkby Stephen and the scenic Stenkrith Park. If approved, the plot will consist of a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses and bungalows.
A key selling point of the housing scheme will be that the residents will become members of the cooperative that owns the houses giving them an element of control regarding key matters relating to their homes and the scheme itself. With this in mind, a community room will also be included on site to enable the tenants to manage their own estate.
The scheme will provide residents with a home for life that they can decorate and personalise, live in rent-free once their share of costs is paid, and even leave to their children.
Potential residents have been encouraged to get involved during the planning process, and one such resident, James Dean, says; “In an area like Kirkby Stephen where housing is limited and expensive, this is a much-welcomed chance for people like myself to find a secure, long-term home. eQuality Homes will give many younger people and families that chance to find a home that is not only suitable for their individual needs, but also modern, warm, and efficient to run.”
Homes England, the Government’s housing agency, have part-funded the eQuality Homes project with this support helping eQuality Homes to quickly progress the project through to the planning phase.
To find out more about eQuality Homes or to register your interest in becoming a resident of the Kirkby Stephen development, visit www.eQualityhomes.co.uk.
