FAMILY’S HOME DREAM BECOMES REALITY
13/02/2008
In the next couple of days, Jasmine and her parents Elizabeth and David will move into a new three bedroomed house in the village of Norton.
The house is one of six new affordable homes built through a partnership involving the parish council and rural housing specialist Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association.
“We are all really excited about the new house,” explained Elizabeth, “I was born in Norton and have lived in the village all of my life. I’ve always wanted to stay here. I just love the village and I love the life we lead here. This village is my home and it’s where I want to be.
“We have looked at other properties in the village but they were always out of our reach and we just couldn’t get a foot on the housing ladder. We waited and waited for these affordable properties to be provided.
“We have rented a one-bedroomed property in Daventry Road for the last seven years but we’ve really been living on top of each other. When Jasmine was born I never had the opportunity to decorate a nursery for her as other parents do so I’m looking forward to decorating her room in the new house.”
Elizabeth’s parents and her two brothers also live in the village. “It’s great for Jasmine as she has grandparents literally on tap,” says Elizabeth.
The six new homes in Weedon Lane will be available for rent exclusively to people with close links to Norton either through their family or work.
The development includes four, two-bedroomed houses, the Wealthalls’ three-bedroomed house and a two-bedroomed bungalow.
“We are delighted that residents will soon be moving into this scheme,” says Jasper Hart, chairman of Northampton Rural Housing Association.
“We specialise in building small-scale developments that blend in with existing properties so that we can meet the housing needs of rural communities.
“Rising house prices and a lack of good quality, affordable accommodation can mean that people who have grown up in a village or those on moderate incomes are forced out when it comes to finding their own home.
“Communities need a mix of people of all ages and backgrounds if they are to be vibrant and sustainable.”
Stephanie Goulden, the former chairman of the parish council, was the driving force behind the scheme. Having attended a meeting on rural homelessness in 2000, she realised young people in the village were struggling to afford housing there.
She contacted Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association and the parish council and clerk Jane Waterfield worked closely with the association to carry out a housing needs survey which revealed the need for new affordable homes in Norton.
The search then began for a suitable site for the development, with land eventually being provided by John and Pauline Yates, a family with links to the village over several generations.
To mark the opening of the new scheme, Northamptonshire Rural and Northants ACRE staged an open day for local district and parish councillors to give them an insight into their work development
Among the special guests was the former parish council clerk who has now been honoured for her part in bringing the development to fruition. The road on which the homes have been built has been called Gouldens View.
“I am absolutely delighted that this scheme has been provided,” said Mrs Goulden. “The homes are for local people. It’s like a dream come true.”