More high-quality affordable homes are set to hit the market in Carlisle as Castles and Coasts Housing Association (CCHA) receives the keys for properties at Story Homes’ exciting new development.
The eight new homes at Oakleigh Fields, which is located at Orton Road, in the city, have been developed specifically for local people and those who work in and around Carlisle.
They are the first of 23 homes purchased by CCHA on the 156-homes site that is being delivered by Story Homes. The CCHA properties consist of eight two-bedroom bungalows with private driveways and large gardens, 11 two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses – which will all be let as Affordable Homes.
The site is expected to be completed in 2024, offering families and individuals high-quality homes in this popular part of the city.
David Brown, Head of Development at CCHA, said: “This is a quality new development in an area that has real housing need, so I’m delighted to take the keys for the first eight homes and prepare them for occupation by families and people who live or work in Carlisle.
“They are precisely what's needed to ensure people who have been brought up in the city and have raised families here can still afford to live in this vibrant part of the world. The homes are offered at affordable rent to those who have a connection to the area, with an eligible housing need.”
All homes will be marketed with a “Local Occupancy Clause”, so only people from, living or working in Carlisle can apply, and they are aimed at anybody with an identifiable housing need.
Paul Fenton, Land Manager for Story Homes, said: “We are committed to delivering high quality new homes in Carlisle and we’re pleased to partner with CCHA on our Oakleigh Fields development to make an important contribution towards the delivery of new affordable housing for local people. This builds on our strong partnership with CCHA from our recently completed Aspen Grange development.”
CCHA will take over the remaining 15 affordable homes which will be completed before the end of 2023. Oakleigh Fields is another major boost to Carlisle’s affordable housing stock, which just last month (February 2023) was bolstered with 25 new affordable homes at Story Homes’ Aspen Grange development, just two miles outside the city centre.
“CCHA is working hard to address the issue of housing need across our portfolio, but particularly in Carlisle, where many people are searching for affordable homes,” added David. “It will be great to see these homes filled by local people.”