Masham housing survey to help tackle rural affordability crisis

There are hopes Masham could get a community-led housing scheme to tackle the affordability crisis for people in rural areas.

North and East Yorkshire Rural Housing Enablers are behind a survey which it hopes will help understand the demand for the scheme in the Mashamshire area.

These are usually a group of homes that are owned and managed by a local community group, trust or organisation.

The group can then ensure that rents are kept affordable and the properties are only available to those who have links to the area.

Successful examples of community-led housing schemes include Granby 4 Streets in Liverpool, where local people redeveloped derelict terraces in the city.

But community-led housing can also be used to boost affordable housing provision in rural areas.

The survey is being sent to homes in Masham and the surrounding parishes of Swinton, Warthermarske, Fearby, Healey, High and Low Ellington, Ilton, High and Low Burton, Ellingstring and Colsterdale. It’s available throughout October.

A spokesperson for North and East Yorkshire Rural Housing Enablers said high house prices in rural areas cause problems for local people on low and average incomes.

It has led to young people in particular being forced to leave and find homes in cities which can force local services such as schools and shops to close.

Amanda Madden of North Yorkshire Council Rural Housing Enablers will also be contacting major employers in the area to ask if employees would be interested in living closer to their place of work but are currently unable to afford suitable market property.

Anyone interested in renting or part owning an affordable property is asked to

complete a form and a decision will then be taken as to whether to proceed with the project.

For more information contact Amanda Madden on 07572 228987