Affordable Housing Project
In mid 2006 Cawthorne Parish Council entered the first Community Empowerment Awards, submitting an entry in the Affordable Housing Category. The entry was based on the successful affordable housing project which had come to fruition through the joint working of the Parish Council and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, the local District Authority. The Council first won the Regional Award for the North of England, and then the National Award for Affordable Housing. In addition to a magnificent cut glass trophy and framed certificate, the Council was awarded the sum of £1000. This was used to restore the Portland Stone War Memorial which is located in the grounds of the Cawthorne Victoria Jubilee Musem.
The Council's supporting statement for the Affordable Housing award is below.
Introduction
Cawthorne is a rural parish in South Yorkshire. The local district council is Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC). Cawthorne dates back to at least the late 11th century, with some buildings from the 15th century still in use. The hub of the parish is the village of Cawthorne, with some 1000 residents living in about 530 households. The remainder of the parish is rural, with a considerable number of working farms. Whilst many residents are relatively financially comfortable, there is rural poverty due to the decline in small rural industries, and to the decline in farming. This industrial decline combined with a lack of BMBC housing, and the costs of both existing and new residential properties, has led to a shortage, over many years, of social and affordable housing for those less well off members of our community.
Steps taken to identify the need for social and affordable housing
In the early 1990s the Cawthorne Parish Council (CPC), a QPS Council, conducted a full housing needs survey, which clearly identified the lack of affordable social housing within the parish, mainly in respect of the young, those on low incomes, and the elderly. This survey with recommendations that BMBC engage in providing such accommodation was not acted upon by BMBC, for reasons unknown, despite requests from CPC that action be taken.
In 2002 CPC, after further representations to, and liaising with, BMBC, CPC undertook another full housing survey, the lengthy, detailed survey form being compiled by BMBC. Forms were delivered by Councillors to each household in the parish. A return of almost 30% was achieved, which is greater than the norm for such surveys, 99% of returns supporting the proposal for affordable housing. The returns were analysed by the Rural Housing Trust. This analysis showed a clear need for affordable social housing for the young, the less well off and the elderly.
Identifying suitable sites
A site owned by BMBC which had been earmarked for Council Housing was identified as suitable for the project. The site, on the outer edge of the village, is within walking distance of the village centre, where the post office, shops, churches, public house, etc. are located. This was an important consideration bearing in mind future residents of the housing. The site is large enough to have some 20 plus houses and flats constructed on it.
Positive inclusive partnerships with Local Authority etc
Positive, constructive liaison and negotiation continued with BMBC, with the result that Cawthorne became the location of the first Rural Affordable Housing Project in South Yorkshire. A total of 22 flats and houses were constructed on the identified site. There is a mix of rental property and joint ownership property. The project is a partnership between BMBC, the main funder, and a housing association. Although allocation criteria were set by the partnership, this was after full consultation with CPC. All of CPC’s recommendations were accepted. As this is a rural project designed for the local rural community, main eligibility criteria are based on residency, affordability, and capital assets. Priority criteria are based on first time buyers for Shared Ownership, three bed roomed houses for families with a child or children, and lower income families in the even that there is equality of all other criteria. Although CPC is not on the allocation committee, on the grounds that BMBC Councillors do not sit on council housing allocation committees, its views are sought in the event that applicants are borderline on criteria. Regular updates on the status of the project are given to CPC by BMBC and the housing association.
Parish Plan
The Housing Needs Survey and its results identified the need for, and instigated the Cawthorne Parish Plan, which itself confirmed the need for affordable social housing, and supported the housing project. CPC was a party to the compilation of the Parish Plan, and liaised with other parties involved.
Village Design Survey
CPC conducted a Village Design Survey which led to the Cawthorne Village Design Statement. The VDS, after liaison with BMBC, is now Supplementary Planning Guidance for planning applications in the Parish of Cawthorne. This was taken into account when the affordable housing was designed. Final agreement on external features of the buildings was also the subject of liaison between CPC, BMBC, and the project architects.
‘Hard to Reach’
Housing survey forms were distributed to all households in the parish, including farms and other remote households. A number of ‘Open Day’ sessions were held in the village to enable all parishioners and their families to have full knowledge of the proposals, and to provide feedback, constructive criticism etc. to CPC, BMBC and the developers. Regular updates were given in the monthly CPC newssheet. Several meetings of CPC had the project on the agenda with the public being given the opportunity to question the Council on proposals, progress etc.
Parish Council investment etc.
As evidenced above, CPC has been the initiator and driver for this housing project.
Whilst there has been little financial investment apart from the costs of the Housing Needs Survey, the Village Design Statement and the Parish Plan, there has been considerable investment in terms of Councillors’ time. Without the will and drive of the Council this project would neither have proceeded, nor come to fruition, and the more vulnerable parishioners of Cawthorne would not now be enjoying affordable social housing. In the words of Ann Tomlinson, Rural Housing Trust, ‘Due credit should be attributed to Cawthorne Parish Councillors for their continued commitment, both to this project and the housing needs of their community’.
Author: Clerk to the Council
