Latest News
Find out the latest news and events from Spirit.

December 10th 2007
Tackling the problems of affordability and the need for rural housing is a priority for the Government and many housing associations across the country.

For one North East housing association, their new rural developments have received praise from the Government.

Three Rivers Housing Association was commended by the government earlier this year for the development of ten, two-bedroom apartments at Tannery Yard in Barnard Castle, Teesdale.

The new £1milion ‘green’ affordable housing project was developed on a brownfield site, formerly a council depot and was officially opened by local MP and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons Helen Goodman in November. She said, “I am delighted to open this excellent housing development which combines good design with affordability. I am particularly pleased with the high environmental standards of this development, and I welcome the addition of further social housing, which is essential to maintain the vitality of the local area.”

Each apartment complies with the Governments ‘Ecohomes’ Agenda which encourages developers to improve environmental performance of new developments through good design rather than high capital cost solutions. It considers the broad environmental concerns of climate change, resource use and impact on wildlife and balances these against the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy internal environment.

David Brown, Senior Development Manager at Three Rivers said, “This is a superb new development that blends the use of modern technology with the traditional craftsmanship and appeal of natural stone and slate. It is a credit to every member of the team involved, demonstrating what can be achieved when working in partnership.”

John Carleton, the Housing Corporation’s Field Director for the North said, “In partnership with the Housing Corporation, Three Rivers Housing Association has done an excellent job in delivering this development in Barnard Castle. It has enabled ten households of local people to live in high quality, affordable housing in the neighbourhood of their choice. We are delighted to have worked with Three Rivers on this project. I hope the new residents will be very happy in their new homes."

Three Rivers resident, Madge Russ, said: "I moved into my new home in April after being in a much bigger house elsewhere in the town. I'm 85 now and the upkeep was worrying me, but I love it here the size is just right.

“We have good neighbours and it was lovely in the summer because we all sat out on the grass and someone brought out a pot of tea. It's not far from the town centre and although it's getting cold now, this house still stays nice and cosy.”

The scheme cost £935,000 and includes a social housing grant of £474,000 from the Housing Corporation.

Earlier this year, Three Rivers also completed the development of nine 2 and 3 bedroom homes at Mickleton in Teesdale. Seven of the properties there were developed for mainstream rent whilst two homes were allocated on an affordable shared equity basis.

Three Rivers’ shared equity programme is an affordable way for people looking to get a foot onto the property ladder and priority for this particular development was given to local people from the area surrounding of and within Mickleton.

The scheme is adjacent to a conservation area and the design of the properties is sympathetic to the surrounding area. Cllr. Pauline Charlton, Lead Member for Housing at Teesdale District Council said, “The Council welcomes the opportunity to work with partners who develop affordable homes which are sympathetically designed and distinctive to the local area but offer high standards that will benefit our rural communities both now and in the future.”

Both rural developments in Barnard Castle and Mickleton have been built using a timber frame system and modern methods of construction. The timber frame construction method offers many unique benefits to the customer such as increased insulation levels resulting in lower energy usage costs. Timber frames are used during construction as they durable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Director of Development and Regeneration at Three Rivers, Lynda Peacock said, “The success of these schemes is testimony to Three Rivers in its approach to tackling the issue of affordable rural housing at a local level. By working together with the local authority, the community and all stakeholders, it has helped these local environments to remain sustainable through the provision of more affordable high quality environmentally friendly rural housing for local people in the County.”

“We are seeking to identify new sites where Three Rivers can develop and provide more affordable homes in other rural communities across the north east.”

Three Rivers are continuing to work with key partners with the shared aim of developing more projects that address the shortage of Affordable Rural Housing across the Region.

Back to news