Affordable housing project for residents hit by coastal erosion
Residents who have lost, or risk losing, their homes to the sea along the East Yorkshire coastline will be given priority on a new affordable homes scheme.
The new homes form part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Changing Coasts East Riding project, built by Broadacres via its contractor WB Construction.
The homes are located on the site of former agricultural buildings at Church Farm, around one mile inland from the coast.
They will help increase the availability of affordable housing in a rural and coastal area where there is significant need and offer a practical housing option for residents affected by coastal erosion.
The total cost of the scheme is £3.1 million, including an £800,000 contribution from the Changing Coasts East Riding project, a further £244,000 from the council, £1 million from Homes England and the rest from Broadacres.
The scheme consists of five two-bedroom bungalows and four two and three-bedroom houses, for social rent.
The project forms part of wider work to help coastal communities respond to the long-term impacts of coastal change. East Yorkshire has some of the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, with some areas losing up to 4.5 metres a year.
Residents in areas such as Green Lane in Skipsea face the threat of losing their homes to the sea, and some households have already been forced to move away.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “We’re dedicated to supporting coastal communities and adapting to the challenges of coastal erosion. This is a great project to support residents to stay in their local area.”
Claire Townson, chief executive of Broadacres, said: “We are delighted to be working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Homes England to bring forward these much-needed affordable homes in Skipsea.
“This partnership demonstrates how housing providers and local authorities can work together to respond to the real challenges facing coastal communities.
By giving priority to people whose homes have been, or could be, affected by coastal erosion, these new homes will help residents remain rooted in the area they know, with the security and support they need for the future.”
Chrysta Newman, from Skipsea Parish Council, said: We are delighted that this project is finally off the ground. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this collaborative effort which will benefit local people impacted by the coastal erosion in our area.”