THE first properties in a new £2 million affordable housing development have been handed over five years after an Elvington landowner drew up the original scheme.

The first six homes, built for Roy Handley of A1 Haulage at Allenby Nursery in Elvington, have been presented by strategic development company, Hu Ha Developments, to independent social housing companyYork Housing Association.

The six homes, a four-bedroom detached house, two two-bedroom detached bungalows and a terrace of two- and three-bedroom town houses, are part of a £2m scheme on land owned and developed by Mr Handley, with Hu Ha Developments now putting the finishing touches to the remaining 12 homes.

Director of Osbaldwick-based Hu Ha Developments Anthony Hughes said: “We’re very pleased that, in spite of record rainfall and almost continuous gales, this innovative scheme to provide high-quality affordable homes to local people is being completed on schedule and within budget.

“The success of this scheme shows that it is a practical solution to the UK’s shortage of affordable housing.

“Ours is a residential development model which works for all parties by providing quality affordable homes for local families, a financial return for landowners or investors, while enabling local planning authorities to increase their affordable homes quota by dealing with a specialist developer dedicated to delivering this.”

Roy Handley and Hu Ha Developments agreed terms with York Housing Association, Monks Cross, last summer to acquire the completed scheme as landlord in conjunction with the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency.

As well as specialising in affordable housing schemes, Hu Ha Developments, run by joint directors Anthony Hughes and Richard Harrison, delivers standard residential schemes and commercial developments.