Providing for local housing needs is fundamental if the National Park's communities are to thrive. With average house prices in recent years of around £253,000, generally low household incomes, and 22% of the housing stock occupied as holiday or second homes, many local families aren't able to get on the property ladder.
Successful housing schemes
- Scott Hill, Bainbridge (17 units)
- Mirefield, Grassington (12 units)
- Moorhill Top, Hawes (10 units)
- Guldrey Lane, Sedbergh (10 units)
- Former Tannery, Embsay (10 units)
- Overton Garth, Reeth (6 units)
- Broad Close, Askrigg (6 units)
- Grass Wood Lane, Grassington (7 units)
- Aynham Close, Grassington (22 units)
Future plans and targets
But more needs to be done. As the planning body for the area, the National Park Authority has an important role in setting policies and making planning decisions in relation to affordable housing proposals. We have set a target to support the construction of at least 75 more affordable dwellings by 2018. We adopted a new Local Plan in 2016 that sets out when and where affordable units will be built on housing developments. Different policies apply in the parts of South Lakeland, Eden and Lancaster districts that became part of the National Park from August 2016 onwards. You can find out more on our Planning Policy pages.
The situation remains very challenging. We'll be working closely with Craven District Council, South Lakeland District Council, Eden District Council, Richmondshire District Council, and Lancaster City Council to achieve this. Further details can be found on our Delivering New Homes page.
