How is affordable housing delivered?

Due to the attractive and sensitive environment of the Harrogate District, land for new homes, especially in rural areas is very difficult to find. These are the main ways in which the Council obtains affordable housing:

'Quota' sites

These sites are above a certain size or number, within the development limits or built up area of the village, and include market housing.

Exception sites

These are sites adjoining the built up area of the village and are for 100% affordable housing for people with a local connection to the area. We prefer to use the term "housing for local people" when describing exception sites, rather than affordable housing, as this is a more accurate description. (click here for link to the exceptions policy)

100% affordable housing sites

These sites are within the built up area of the village and for 100% affordable housing. This includes previously Council-owned housing land.

Providing grants to owners of empty properties

The Council's Empty Property Strategy enables owners of empty properties to apply for a grant to refurbish an existing dwelling, which is structurally sound, or convert an empty building to lease to an Registerd Social Landlord for a fixed period of time to be used for affordable housing.