Funding available to follow the example of Wooler and Embleton affordable housing schemes

Money has been provided by Northumberland County Council from its Community Housing Fund – and there is still money left in the pot to support similar community projects.

Among those to have benefited so far include Embleton Parish Council which secured a grant to refurbish The Gate House, an old two-bedroomed detached property.

The property had been vacant for a while and the local councils didn’t want it to be sold as a holiday home, as more affordable rented housing is needed for local people. This property will be managed and rented out by Bernicia at an affordable rent.

The Glendale Gateway Trust secured a grant to assist towards the acquisition and conversion of the former Barclays Bank on Wooler High Street that had been vacant for almost a year. The funding has helped to provide two affordable apartments on the first and second floors while breathing new life into this Grade ll listed, town centre building.Schemes in Corbridge and Haltwhistle have also benefited.

The county council secured £1.3m from the national fund which is paying for a dedicated community housing officer to provide advice and support.

Funding was also provided to set up Communities CAN (North East) Ltd which provide advice and support to community groups and now cover the North of Tyne area.

Together, the council and Communities CAN are working to help those wishing to set up an affordable housing scheme, as well as contributing towards the delivery of affordable housing projects.

The fund can be used for a range of activities including community development, feasibility and design work, construction costs and project management.

Cllr John Riddle, cabinet member with responsibility for community services, said: “We know the importance of involving local people in decisions about the type of affordable housing that best suits the needs of their community and the people who live and work there.

“What has been particularly pleasing to see in Northumberland is that the recent schemes have helped to refurbish and maintain old heritage buildings in rural communities, bringing them back to life so they can help address an important housing need in their local communities.”

For more information call 01670 620497 or email [email protected]

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