Building work has begun on a ground-breaking housing development which seeks to bring life back to a rural community by restricting sales of the new homes to primary residence buyers.
The scheme, which is a Bondgate Homes development, is located in the picturesque village of Beadnell on the north Northumberland coast.
The development, which has been named ‘The Kilns’ due to the presence of historic lime kilns on the site, will include 45 new-build houses in a mix of styles of which nine will be affordable housing reserved for local residents. Some of the houses will be dormer bungalow designed to appeal to the elderly or those looking to downsize.
Kathryn Kent, new homes manager at Bradley Hall, said: “We are delighted to be marketing what will be outstanding homes in a sought-after location. There is a high demand for properties close to the coast due to open space and the ability to enjoy the outdoors within a stone’s throw of home. “Following a successful sales campaign on its first site in Lesbury, we are proud to be working with Bondgate Homes on its second development.”
Rachel Trew, project manager for the Bondgate Homes development said: “For many years local communities in pretty rural villages along the north Northumberland coast such as Beadnell have seen locals priced out of the market by second home owners. The result of this for locals has been a loss of amenities such as village shops, and schools, with villages almost deserted during the week days.
“Working with the local Parish Council, we are trying to address this issue. All buyers must register their new address as their primary residence on the electoral role, and this restriction will be continued should they decide to sell. We have also included a larger than required number of affordable homes which will be let through the under the Government approved Homefinder UK scheme.
“Beadnell is a fabulous village location for those looking to live by the sea. With the property market currently booming in North Northumberland, we are already receiving interest from potential buyers even though the development isn’t due to complete for two to three years.”
Local developer Bondgate Homes will be using North East construction company Kapex. Local materials and local contractors will be employed on site where possible, with local building materials also favoured. Renewable technologies will also be employed, with all of the houses heated by air source heat pumps. Historic and environmental features, such as the lime kilns will also be restored and retained and information boards explain the history of the site.
