27 January 2011
Planning permission cheer for eco-homes at Northumberland Pub site
Beaumont Court Site view
The transformation of a former pub site in Widdrington Station has come another step closer, with the news that Two Castles Housing Association has received planning permission for a development of high quality homes.
The Willows at Widdrington Station, near Morpeth, which has stood empty and derelict for over five years is set to make way for 22 new affordable homes, to be built by North East company Dunelm Property Services.
“Two Castles Housing Association is committed to providing high quality, affordable homes and there is a definite demand for this in Widdrington Station,” said Rob Brittain, property services director at Two Castles Housing Association.
“We are extremely pleased to have received planning permission and plan to commence demolition of the old building on 7th February this year with completion anticipated in December 2011.”
The development – which includes 17 homes for rent and five available for shared ownership – has secured £1.1m in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and £36,717 from Northumberland County Council.
“This is an excellent example of partnership working,” added Rob Brittain.
“We have complemented our housing development experience with the private sector knowledge and expertise of Dunelm Property Services. We have also worked closely with Northumberland County Council to identify people who are in the greatest housing need for these properties. We believe that the way in which we are progressing this scheme defines the ideal model for partnership working in the current economic environment.”
Stephen Francis, Managing Director, Dunelm Homes, said: “We have, over many months, been working to create a plan for the site which satisfies both local needs, in terms of housing and planning, and wider strategic housing issues. We are delighted that Two Castles has been able to take advantage of the potential for development which Widdrington Station now presents.”
The scheme, including five 2-bedroom houses, nine 3-bedroom houses and eight bungalows, will be among the first in Northumberland to reach Level Four of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.
“With a range of eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient solar panels, compost bins and cycle storage, the new homes will be a step up for greener living in Northumberland,” said Alan Davies, investment and regeneration manager at the Homes and Communities Agency.
“With Two Castles and Dunelm Property Services working in close partnership and support from the Homes and Communities Agency, the Widdrington Station scheme is a great example of different organisations coming together to make things happen in a difficult economic climate.”
The scheme has also seen Two Castles work closely with HMH Architects and Elliott Associates, as well as ATAC (Area Training and Activity Centre), a community group occupying an adjacent site.
The homes will also be built to the Lifetime Homes Standard, meeting specific design criteria to support the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of life. Features will include wider hallways able to accommodate wheelchairs and appropriate space for the installation of a stair lift.
“We take very seriously the work we do to ensure it positively affects the communities we work with, and by demolishing the former pub, we will provide affordable homes in Widdrington, which further endorses our ongoing commitment”, added Rob Brittain.
