Aynham Close Residential Development – North Yorkshire
Grassington, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley designed 22 new two and three bedroom affordable homes for Yorkshire Housing on a brownfield site within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The site was occupied by a sheltered accommodation block that closed in 2013, as it was outdated and no longer viable. It was decided to replace the building with a mix of affordable family homes and flats, which would better meet local housing needs.
Working closely with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Bowman Riley successfully managed a complex planning process which included consultation with the ward councilors, the parish council and community. We led public consultation events to gather local residents’ feedback on the design proposals and to encourage local engagement.
The scheme was designed and laid out to blend into the local surroundings with a rural village feel. Carefully consideration was given to the density of the proposed development, which reflects the existing fabric and character of the village. Our design maintained the traditional features of the village whilst maximising the outlook to the south of the Dales countryside.
On a very limited budget, the new homes were designed to a high standard using stone with stone walls and traditional details including stone window heads, cills and artificial slate roofs.
The landscaping was designed to allow glimpses of the homes on the eastern approach to Grassington and to enhance the site’s biodiversity incorporating new planting and trees.
This completed development has improved the supply of affordable housing in the National Park for young people, families and older people for whom market rates are beyond their means, keeping generations of families together and a rural community alive.