Northumberland affordable scheme to progress

Plans for Karbon Homes to build an affordable development in Northumberland have been approved.The scheme will create 63 homes at the Bellingham Mart site in the centre of the village, comprising 14 bungalows, 14 apartments, 15 houses and 20 care-ready supported housing apartments.The £12m development will be available for affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership for older people.Vince Walsh, development manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured planning for this new development and look forward to progressing forward in the coming months. Providing more affordable homes in rural communities like Bellingham is something we’re really passionate about.”The development is a part of Karbon’s £131.5m strategic partnership with Homes England, to develop 2,200 affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire.The scheme has also secured a grant from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, which supports the development of brownfield sites across the region.North of Tyne Combined Authority deputy mayor Norma Redfearn, who is NTCA cabinet member for housing, land and development, said: “This development is great news for Bellingham and will have a positive impact on residents across the region.”It will revitalise the old Auction Mart into affordable homes – creating new jobs and new opportunities in the process. As the NTCA’s Housing lead, I’m pleased we could help to transform this empty site and invest in this proud community.”Work is expected to start in the autumn of 2022.