Impact Supports Rural Housing!

Impact Housing are to build a scheme of 15 units in the village of Grasmere for Social and Affordable Rents. The land is in the grounds of the local Youth Hostel and the YHA will recycle the proceeds of sale into upgrading the facilities for visitors.

The mix of properties includes 2-bed maisonettes, 2 and 3-bed houses and a 2-bed bungalow, all for people with a local connection to Grasmere.

The scheme, which will cost £1.7 million to build, has just received Planning Permission following a long consultation period. Impact worked in partnership with the Lake District National Park to design the scheme and a very successful open evening was held in the village hall, where the plans were displayed. There was a good turnout from local people interested in the proposals and from prospective tenants.

The scheme will be built without Government funding, the first in a new Impact Housing “non-grant model”. It is due to start on site in Summer 2012 with a completion date expected in early 2013.

The Lakeland Housing Trust is purchasing two units for affordable rent.  This will assist with the funding of the scheme, alongside £60,000 from South Lakeland District Council.  The balance is to be raised by Impact Housing and paid back through rents.

The scheme is attractive and incorporates design priorities highlighted by our existing tenants.  These include: Parking; Private outdoor space; Drying areas; Good storage levels. All properties will have low running costs because of a range of energy saving measures: Easy to operate central heating; Low water use appliances; High levels of insulation.

The properties will have PV solar panels installed, with feed in tariffs ensuring lower running costs for tenants. 

Mike Muir, Impact’s Chief Executive said  “ We are really pleased to have set off on the first stage of developing this much needed rural scheme. Local people in Grasmere cannot afford to buy so providing more housing for affordable rent will have a real benefit in keeping the local community together.”

Impact is pleased to be working with Grasmere Primary School throughout the build, involving the pupils in the naming of the scheme, and the whole build process.