New affordable homes in Norton
Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association (NRHA), and partners Orbit and Snowdon Homes, completed eight new affordable homes in the village of Norton in November 2022.
The small rural scheme, which is strongly supported by the community, will provide twelve homes for the village, including eight much-needed affordable properties. All the homes were prioritised for local people with a connection to Norton.
Breaking new ground with self-build plots
As well as providing eight affordable homes and two local market homes which were identified in the housing needs survey, the scheme was also a ground-breaking development for the region.
It was one of the first rural exception sites to also include two plots for self building - an exciting opportunity! The option to self build rarely happens in rural developments. The two four-bedroom plots will also be prioritised for local people.
Community-led development
The planning and design of the scheme was a true partnership between the Parish Council, the community and the association.
The Parish Council were involved in the site selection and the design. And the development was shaped by what the community want, and they were empowered and involved throughout.
The wider Norton community will also benefit with the addition of a new playground, gifted by NRHA to the Parish Council.
Spacious and low-carbon homes
The homes are built to national space standards and incorporate the latest in air source heating technology.
The air source heat pumps are eco-friendly, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and also provide lower cost heating, compared to traditional electric heating systems found in many off-gas rural homes. This will help to keep energy bills low for residents, which in times of significant energy cost increases, is more important than ever to help challenge fuel poverty.