New Affordable Rented Homes Opened in Threlkeld

3rd August 2019

Press Release

 30 July 2019

 New affordable rented homes opened in Threlkeld

Eden Housing Association’s new affordable rented homes at Spring Close in Threlkeld were officially opened this week.

The development, in the Lake District National Park Planning (LDNP) Authority area, consisting of 7 houses ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms, are all occupied by households with a local connection.

The homes have been constructed to high energy efficiency levels, and with air-source heat pumps providing heating and hot water they are aimed at being economical to run.

Spring Close has been in the making since 2014 beginning with negotiations with the local landowner and then overcoming challenges presented by ground conditions and also an electricity supply diversion.

The ‘local’ theme has continued with building works and design being undertaken by Cumbrian firms, Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd and by Day Cummins (Architects) Ltd.

Funding of the £1m + project has been mostly covered by the Association with £219,000 grant being provided by the Homes and Communities Agency, now Homes England, and with the help of loan funding from Eden District Council.

At the opening ceremony, Beth Furneaux, Chair of Eden Housing Association with the help of new residents, unveiled a stone from the local Threlkeld Quarry bearing a plaque marking the occasion. Beth used the celebratory occasion to convey her thanks to everyone who had made the project happen and commented upon being pleased that the development had been well received by the new tenants.

John Clasper, Chief Executive of Eden Housing Association, said “I am delighted with the look and feel of the completed houses. It’s great that we have been able to help people with a local connection improve their housing situation. The new tenants I have spoken to are really pleased with the quality of the accommodation and are already well on the way to making them homes”.

Local MP for Penrith and the Border, Rory Stewart, was unable to make the opening because of engagements elsewhere, but having been kept informed of the new development said “It is really great to see these new affordable homes to rent opening in Threlkeld at the foot of Blencathra. With so many individuals and families unable to afford the cost of housing in the area in which they live, work and have grown up, an affordable housing scheme offers communities the chance to build something of real social value. I would like to pass on my congratulations to Eden Housing Association and thank all those involved for their hard work in making this possible.”

Eden Housing Association is currently on site with its next affordable rented development at William Street in Penrith, a scheme consisting of houses and flats which are scheduled to be completed in early 2020.

For more information on development contact John Clasper, Chief Executive on 01768 861400