SEVEN new properties are to be built in Coniston - bringing much needing housing stock to the area.

Castles & Coasts Housing Association which has more than 7,000 properties across the North of England has appointed Cumbria based Cubby Construction to build its Homes England-backed development, that will deliver high quality housing to rent.

The small development is planned to take one year to build and will see seven new homes constructed in the village.

They will stand at the centre of the National Park.

All of the properties will be offered for rent, delivering a welcome boost in an area where social housing is scarce. This project is part of an aspiration of Castles & Coasts to build 120 new homes each year across Cumbria and the North East.

Stephanie Murphy, chief executive of Castles & Coasts Housing Association, said: “We’re delighted to break ground on a small but significant scheme for Coniston.

“We know that across the National Park in particular, there is much to do to ensure that social housing is more readily available to support a range of families, so schemes like this are vitally important if we’re to ensure people are not forced out of the area.

“It’s fantastic too that we are able to work with a local company to construct these homes, delivering real added value to the area, creating opportunities and supporting jobs for local people and companies.”

South Lakeland District Council have also supported the development with a grant.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, South Lakeland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “It’s always great to see new affordable homes being built for local families in areas such as this, where there is greatest need.

“South Lakeland District Council is very pleased to be able to provide support to enable the development of sustainable modern affordable homes. In this case, we have awarded an Affordable Homes Grant of £99,000.

"We look forward to the completion of these homes next year and seeing seven local families taking up residence in these wonderful affordable properties.’’

The new 2-and-3-bedroom homes are expected to be completed in late summer 2021.