A RECORD number of new affordable homes were built in rural areas of North and East Yorkshire in 2017/18, figures reveal.

The 405 affordable homes built bring the total to 1,155 over the past six years.

It was also the highest ever number built in one year since the building programme began in 2011.

Of these, 76 were in National Parks, 268 were for rent and the remainder were for low cost home ownership and intermediate rent.

Thirty seven of the homes were delivered directly by local authorities; and 60 were part of a new Extra Care housing development in Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park.

Announcing the figures, Councillor Richard Foster, Chair of the Rural Housing Enabler Network and the Housing Board said: “I am very happy to see such a large number of new rural affordable homes delivered by our housing association and local authority partners, with the vital support of the Rural Housing Enabler team.

“Our unique partnership means we are able to provide enhanced support to our rural communities and other partners to develop good quality affordable homes in a variety of ways.

"In future years, we look forward to seeing new homes delivered by communities themselves and to working with those groups to continue to meet the housing needs of rural communities.”

Local councils, the North York Moors National Park Authority and 16 housing association partners continue to fund the programme as the Housing Board works with partners towards an aim to triple the overall supply of new affordable homes across the area.