THE completion of a scheme to provide new affordable housing for rent in a North Yorkshire village has been welcomed by community leaders.

The three high-quality, two-bedroom houses in Middleton Tyas have been provided thanks to a partnership between North Star Housing, Wynyard Homes and the former Richmondshire District Council.

The affordable homes in Kneeton Lane represent a £340,000 investment by North Star and have been constructed to a high standard, in keeping with the local area.

They are part of a development featuring 35 properties on the Copperfield Park site. Heylo Housing has also delivered seven homes for shared ownership, with the rest of the houses being sold on the open market by Wynyard Homes.

The Northern Echo: North Star Housing Officer Clare Ambrose handing over the keys to Hannah RansomNorth Star Housing Officer Clare Ambrose handing over the keys to Hannah Ransom (Image: North Star)

Emma Speight, North Star’s Executive Director of Assets and Growth, said: “There is such a need for good quality rural housing, and we are delighted to be able to deliver affordable homes for the local community in this beautiful village.

“The design and quality of the homes is impressive, built to such high standards. It’s a truly great project.”

The new North Star homes were built to be let to people with a local connection to the area, where affordable housing is scarce.

The new North Star residents moved in earlier this month and have all expressed delight with their homes, with one saying: “I’m so pleased with my new home and feel really lucky to live here. Every staff member I have been in touch with at North Star has been very helpful and friendly.”

North Yorkshire Council’s member for the Middleton Tyas division, Cllr Angus Thompson, said: “We have been very keen to promote affordable homes for rent by local people in our villages and I am delighted to see the completion of these much-needed homes in Middleton Tyas. The provision of homes of this type in our rural communities is vital to allow those with a local connection to stay living there.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “These new homes go some way towards our target to see young people and their families find homes to rent in our rural areas. We are delighted to have worked with North Star to deliver these three homes in Middleton Tyas.”