New affordable homes in Norton
Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association (NRHA), and partners Orbit and Snowdon Homes, have recently started on site on a second phase of affordable homes in the village of Norton.
The small rural scheme, which is strongly supported by the community, will provide twelve homes for the village, including eight much-needed affordable properties. All the homes, which are due to be completed in autumn/winter 2022, will be prioritised for local people with a connection to Norton.
Breaking new ground with self-build plots
As well as providing eight affordable homes and two local market homes which were identified in the housing needs survey, the scheme is also a ground-breaking development for the region.
It will be one of the first rural exception sites to also include two plots for self building. It’s an exciting opportunity; the option to self build rarely happens in rural developments. The two four-bedroom plots will also be prioritised for local people.
Community-led development
The planning and design of the scheme has been a true partnership between the Parish Council, the community and the association.
The Parish Council were involved in the site selection and the design. And the development has been shaped by what the community want, and they were empowered and involved throughout.
The wider Norton community will also benefit with the addition of a new playground, gifted by NRHA to the Parish Council.
Spacious and low-carbon homes
The homes will be built to national space standards and will incorporate the latest in air source heating technology.
The air source heat pumps are eco-friendly, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and also provide lower cost heating, compared to traditional electric heating systems found in many off-gas rural homes. This will help to keep energy bills low for residents, which in times of significant energy cost increases, is more important than ever to help challenge fuel poverty.