Ribble Valley gets first ‘affordable bungalows’

Colin Hirst and Rachel OConnor have the key to the door at the Low Moor Gardens development in Clitheroe

Three two-bedroom bungalows are available on a part-buy-part-rent basis at Low Moor Gardens, Clitheroe, along with three two-bedroom houses, three three-bedroom houses and a four-bedroom house.

The homes are being developed by Taylor Wimpey in association with Ribble Valley Borough Council and St Vincent’s Housing Association. And St Vincent’s is hosting an open day at the development on Tuesday, April 29th from 4 to 7 pm.

The properties have gardens and off-road parking, making them ideal for families or mature residents in an area where affordable housing is scarce. The shared ownership bungalows start at just £75,000 for a 50% share.

Colin Hirst, head of housing and regeneration at Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “The provision of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the council and affordable bungalows and four-bedroom houses are almost non-existent.

“We are working closely with housing associations to address this problem and are delighted to have supported this excellent scheme, which will bring much-needed high-quality shared ownership accommodation to Clitheroe.”

Rachel O’Conner, St Vincent’s Housing Association’s development manager, added: “Low Moor Gardens is a superb development with fantastic views of the River Ribble and Pendle Hill. We are delighted to be a partner in this scheme that will release much-needed affordable properties.”

House prices in Ribble Valley are way above the national average and first-time buyers are being forced out of the communities their families have lived in for generations.

There is also a dearth of accommodation suitable for young single people and the elderly.

Ribble Valley Borough Council is at the forefront of several housing initiatives, from the provision of affordable properties in partnership with housing associations and developers, to cutting-edge energy efficiency. Other current affordable housing schemes include Ribble Meadows in Henthorn Road, Clitheroe; Romans Crossing in Longridge, Black Hill View in Sabden and Church Raike in Chipping.

Anyone looking for an affordable property should contact the council’s housing team on 01200 414567. To register for one of the Low Moor Gardens properties, call Plumlife on 0161 4475050.