LANDOWNERS in the Yorkshire Dales National Park have just 24 days left to help ease the demand for affordable housing.

So far the National Park Authority (YDNPA) has received 20 sites to consider after it launched an appeal last month (January) for land on which inexpensive homes could be built for local people.

Half of each allocated site would be developed for affordable housing and the other half for local market, occupancy restricted
housing

Yvonne Peacock - YDNPA

However it wants to look at many more before shortlisting the most suitable. To help landowners, the Authority has decided to hold two evening question and answer sessions. These will be at 7pm on February 12 at its Yoredale offices in Bainbridge and 7pm on February 19 at Kettlewell Village Hall.

The National Park Authority is acting on the outcome of consultation during 2007 when the public asked it to find suitable sites for affordable housing. The deadline for suggestions is February 27.

Peter Stockton, the YDNPA’s Strategic Planning Officer, said: “Despite house price drops since 2007, people leaving home and others are still finding it difficult to get suitable housing at a price they can afford.

“The disparity between local wages and even the cheapest housing in the National Park is still large and, unless action is taken to widen the supply of affordable housing, local communities will continue to suffer socially and economically,” he said.

Yvonne Peacock, Chair of the YDNPA’s Housing Working Group and Planning Policy Champion said: “The Authority is inviting landowners and parish councils to suggest sites for possible allocation in a new Housing Development Plan. Allocation would be tantamount to the receipt of outline planning permission.

“We are looking for small sites in locations inside or on the edge of towns and service villages where there is clear evidence of a need for affordable housing. “Half of each allocated site would be developed for affordable housing and the other half for local market, occupancy restricted housing.”