Residents whose homes have been, or are at risk of being, lost to coastal erosion will be given priority for nine new affordable homes being built in Skipsea.
Broadacres is delivering the new homes as part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Changing Coasts East Riding project, with construction being carried out by WB Construction.
The homes are being built on the site of former agricultural buildings at Church Farm, around one mile inland from the coast.
They will increase the supply of affordable housing in a rural coastal community where demand is high, while providing a practical housing option for residents whose homes have been, or could be, affected by coastal erosion.
The development supports wider efforts to help coastal communities respond to the long-term impacts of coastal change. East Yorkshire has one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe, with some areas losing up to 4.5 metres each year. Residents in areas such as Green Lane in Skipsea face the threat of losing their homes to the sea, with some households already having been forced to relocate.
The scheme comprises five two-bedroom bungalows and four two and three-bedroom houses, all available for social rent.
Claire Townson, Chief Executive of Broadacres, said:
“We are delighted to be working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Homes England to bring forward these much-needed affordable homes in Skipsea.
“This partnership demonstrates how housing providers and local authorities can work together to respond to the real challenges facing coastal communities.
“By giving priority to people whose homes have been, or could be, affected by coastal erosion, these new homes will help residents remain in the communities they know, with the security and support they need for the future.”
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“We’re dedicated to supporting coastal communities and adapting to the challenges of coastal erosion. This is a great project to support residents to stay in their local area.”
Richard Panter, Growth Manager for North East, Yorkshire and the Humber at Homes England, said:
“Delivering affordable homes where they are most needed is at the heart of what we do, and this scheme in Skipsea is a strong example of that in action.
“Working with Broadacres and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, we’ve been able to bring forward nine much-needed social rent homes in a rural community, where affordable housing options are limited and local residents are at risk of displacement due to coastal change.”
Chrysta Newman, from Skipsea Parish Council, said:
“We are delighted that this project is finally off the ground. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this collaborative effort, which will benefit local people affected by coastal erosion in our area.”
The £3.1 million development has been funded through a partnership between Broadacres, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Homes England. Funding includes an £800,000 contribution from the Changing Coasts East Riding project, a further £244,000 from the council, £1 million from Homes England, with the remaining investment provided by Broadacres.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council secured £15 million for the Changing Coasts East Riding project in 2022. The funding is provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and managed by the Environment Agency as part of the national Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme.
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