A shortage of affordable homes in upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale has been identified in a study of housing needs.

A survey by the Upper Dales Community Land Trust (UDCLT) and North Yorkshire Council’s Rural Housing Enablers concluded that 17 new homes were needed to meet demand.

The study was conducted in a bid to formally assess the shortage of affordable, sustainable housing for people born, living or working in the Upper Dales area.

The survey was carried out in the parishes of Arkengarthdale, Grinton, Ellerton Abbey, Marrick, Marske and New Forest, Melbecks, Muker and Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh.
A total of 1,393 surveys were distributed, with 110 completed.

A report on the findings concluded: “Based on the results of the housing needs survey, it is recommended that a total of 17 affordable homes are required to meet the housing need identified across the parishes surveyed.  It is also important to note that although we currently have an identified need of 17 affordable homes, experience has shown us that once any scheme starts under construction a hidden need may come forward which has not been included in this report.”

The report highlights that the greatest need is for one and two-bedroom homes, suitable for local individuals, couples, and small families who are struggling to afford either market rents or house prices.

The majority of respondents in housing need had household incomes below £20,000, making it almost impossible to access local housing where average prices exceed £300,000.

The UDCLT, which formed in 2017 by residents and council members, said the survey confirmed its long-held belief around the shortage of affordable homes for local people living and working in the area.

The trust is currently working to build four new homes at Chapel Garth, in Arkengarthdale.

A trust spokesperson said: “The scheme has outline planning permission and the UDCLT, in association with North Star Housing Group, will be exploring funding and partnership opportunities.  We will also be consulting and involving the local community along the way to make sure that everyone is kept in the picture.  Although we have a challenging time ahead we also know that we’ve succeeded before – with the beautiful affordable homes created from Bainbridge’s former Methodist Chapel in Upper Wensleydale – and we’ve also built some incredible partnerships and relationships along the way, essential to making our vision a reality.”

The report concludes that the delivery of affordable housing is “vital to sustaining local communities,” helping younger residents and key workers remain in the area.

It calls for the development of rural exception sites — small, community-led schemes offering 100 per cent affordable homes for those with a local connection.