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28th March 2008
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DOUBLED IN LAKE DISTRICT VILLAGE

Two Castles Housing Association has completed an extra 13 properties at its Caldrigg Fold development in Staveley, taking the total number of affordable homes there to 23.

The small rural community, which is in the heart of farming country and part of the Lake District National Park, had once been much in need of affordable housing for local residents. Rising house prices in comparison with average salaries and high levels of second homes and holiday lets had all contributed to the problem.

Caldrigg Fold, which operates under a strict local occupancy clause, now consists of 21 two and three bedroom homes for rent or shared ownership and two bungalows for rent.

Stephanie Murphy, chief executive at Two Castles, said: “The provision of affordable housing is especially problematic in rural villages such as Staveley and we are delighted we’ve been able to contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the community.

“We have vast experience developing in National Parks and are always sensitive to the needs of the area”.

The houses have all been designed to blend in with their rural environment and features such as false chimneys, render colour, slate roofs, dry stone walls, landscaping and local lighting were all important design considerations.

In 2006, Staveley was one of two developments by Two Castles Housing Association that were hailed as shining examples of best practice in a rural affordable homes guide launched by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.

Two Castles is part of the Spirit partnership which was awarded almost £1.7million from the Housing Corporation to fund the Staveley development. Spirit, a partnership of housing associations, was set up in 2005 to raise the level of social housing standards by providing more and better quality homes at less cost to the public purse.

Caldrigg Fold residents, who will receive services from Two Castles’ Kendal office, will join the growing number of residents who live in over 3,400 properties owned or managed by Two Castles throughout the North of England.

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