THE OFFICIAL completion of a new affordable housing scheme in Sheriff Hutton has been marked with a commemorative event led by Lord Richard Best, one of the country’s leading champions of social housing.

York Housing Association’s new development of 12 properties was celebrated as the culmination of nationwide Rural Housing Week events.

Julia Histon, Managing Director of York Housing Association, said: “There is a real shortage of affordable housing in villages around the country, which means that young people can’t find homes in the places they grew up – and particularly around York where property prices are so high, this can often mean moving significant distances away from their support network.

“We are absolutely delighted to complete this development in Sheriff Hutton, which provides six rental properties and six available to purchase on a shared ownership scheme, to people with an established connection to the village.”

The celebration included the cutting of a ribbon by Lord Best, and the burying of a time capsule, the contents for which have been selected by children from Sheriff Hutton Primary School.

Councillor Luke Ives, Chairman of Ryedale District Council’s Policy & Resources Committee, said, “Ryedale District Council welcomes the opening of the new affordable homes for rent and shared ownership in Sheriff Hutton which resulted from successful working between several partners. The new homes will enable local people to live and work in the village and help support community and village life in the parish. It is also pleasing to see the local primary school being actively involved with the development and the school children will remember the burying of the time capsule on the site for a very long time to come.”