Extra funding to help affordable homes scheme in Daventry district village

The council agreed to forward the funds for phase two of an affordable housing scheme at Goulden’s View in Norton.

The council has funding available to support affordable housing schemes as a result of developer contributions on estates which were permitted despite not having any affordable housing.

A report from the council stated: “Whilst it is always preferred to have affordable housing provided on site, on some occasions the only practical solution is to collect funds and use them to provide affordable housing elsewhere.”

Six affordable homes were approved at Goulden’s View back in 2007. Now, thirteen years down the line, the same group behind the original scheme – Northamptonshire

Rural Housing Association (NRHA)- has submitted plans for a further 12 homes on land adjacent. The plans include homes for social rent, shared ownership, local market and self-build.

And councillors unanimously agreed to put some of the pot they have accumulated over the years towards the scheme, but it must be used by NRHA within 18 months. The scheme overall is expected to cost £1.2 million.

Proposing the funding at the full council meeting on October 8, Councillor Daniel Cribbin said: “This is part of our plan to help with affordable homes in the district. This will not cost us, as the money is from developers, and it leaves us with £84,000 remaining for future developments.”

The proposals won backing from the two of the three Weedon ward councillors, which Norton forms part of.

Councillor David Smith said: “It really pleases me that we have got a contribution going to a really lovely site. Often affordable housing is not in such great positions, but this is a real star site.”

And Councillor Adam Brown added: “Greater provision of affordable housing is a longstanding ambition for Norton Parish Council. They want to see sites where young people in the village can buy their own home, and hopefully this goes some way to doing that.”