Wyre social housing plan approved

Mosaic Town Planning has obtained permission on behalf of MCI Developments for 20 affordable dwellings on land off Carr Lane in the village of Hambleton.

This scheme includes eight one-bed flats, six two-bed houses and six bungalows.

All will be available for affordable rent, with the bungalows restricted to elderly and disabled residents. The 1.5 acre greenfield site is located on the edge of the village where local and national planning policy advocates small-scale affordable housing schemes to meet a local need, as an exception to the usual restrictive approach in such locations.

A significant need for affordable housing was identified in the Wyre Rural Housing Needs Assessment, which recommends an annual requirement for 14 one and two-bed units in the Ward area. In addition, recent benefit changes resulted in a greater demand for housing with a smaller number of bedrooms.

The applicant agreed to make a contribution towards off-site open space in Hambleton and highways improvement along Carr Lane.

While the site is within flood zone 3, the area of highest risk, the need identified in the area cannot be met outside of Hambleton. A sequential test was carried out by MCI Developments which indicated there were no more appropriate sites for the development in Hambleton, particularly as many of them were also within the flood zone.

The scheme will be managed by the Regenda Group.