Residents who have lost, or risk losing, their homes to the sea on the East Yorkshire coastline are to be given priority on a new affordable homes project
The new homes form part of East Riding Council’s Changing Coasts East Riding project, built by Broadacres via its contractor WB Construction.
The homes are located on the site of former agricultural buildings at Church Farm in Skipsea, around one mile inland from the coast. They will help increase the availability of affordable housing in a rural and coastal area where there is significant need, and offer a practical housing option for residents affected by coastal erosion.
The total cost of the scheme is £3.1 million, including an £800,000 contribution from the Changing Coasts East Riding project, a further £244,000 from the council, £1 million from Homes England and the rest from Broadacres.
The scheme consists of five two-bedroom bungalows and four two and three-bedroom houses, for social rent.
The project forms part of wider work to help coastal communities respond to the long-term impacts of coastal change. East Yorkshire has some of the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, with some areas losing up to 4.5 metres a year.
Residents in areas such as Green Lane in Skipsea face the threat of losing their homes to the sea, and some households have already been forced to move away.
Cllr Paul West, East Riding council cabinet member for Environment and Transport said: “We’re dedicated to supporting coastal communities and adapting to the challenges of coastal erosion. This is a great project to support residents to stay in their local area.”
Claire Townson, Chief Executive of Broadacres, said: “This partnership demonstrates how housing providers and local authorities can work together to respond to the real challenges facing coastal communities.
“By giving priority to people whose homes have been, or could be, affected by coastal erosion, these new homes will help residents remain rooted in the area they know, with the security and support they need for the future.”
Richard Panter, growth manager from Homes England, said: “Delivering affordable homes where they are most needed is at the heart of what we do, and this scheme in Skipsea is a strong example of that in action.
“Working with Broadacres and East Riding Council, we’ve been able to bring forward nine much-needed social rent homes in a rural community, where affordable housing options are limited and local residents are at risk of displacement due to coastal changes.”
Chrysta Newman, from Skipsea Parish Council, said: “We are delighted that this project is finally off the ground. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this collaborative effort which will benefit local people impacted by the coastal erosion in our area.”
The Council secured £15 million for the Changing Coasts East Riding project in 2022. The funding is provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and managed through the Environment Agency as part of the national Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme.