History & Background"We face unique challenges in housing development in the upper Dales such as limited access to services, higher construction costs and restrictive planning practices, all of which makes affordable housing essential. Well-designed affordable homes incorporating sustainable technology which contribute to environmental goals support the longer term impact of developments such as the Chapel at Bainbridge (for rent in perpetuity) and enables local people to stay connected to their communities. The retention of young people is essential for the long term sustainability of our deeply rural Dales, allowing teachers, healthcare professionals and other essential workers to live locally." Stephen Stubbs, Chair UDCLT
Back in 2017, Stephen Stubbs was a co-founder of the UDCLT along with Councillor John Blackie, a forward thinker and force of nature who was passionate about keeping communities in the deeply rural areas of the Yorkshire Dales alive. Councillor John Blackie and Stephen (who had been on the Parish Council for 25+ years) set up the Trust when it became clear that housing associations were becoming increasingly risk averse and so not developing social housing in the Upper Dales, and there was just no affordable housing stock for young families wanting to stay in the communities they were born and brought up in. At the same time, an increasing proportion of local properties were being bought and used as second homes or holiday homes. The Upper Dales is an outstandingly beautiful part of the country. Of course this brings benefits to the local area but it also means that house prices and rental rates rise beyond the reach of typical local incomes. The local community, and its legacy, are threatened as many, particularly those with young families, are forced to leave in their search for housing they can afford and economic opportunities. Stephen states: “If we don’t help young people get a foothold on the housing ladder, there’s no way they’ll be able to stay. The long-term sustainability of the Dale has got to be about younger people living, working and thriving in the area, keeping the Upper Dales alive as a community as well as it being a beautiful place to visit.” Councillor Blackie sadly died in 2019 but Stephen, aided by a team of likeminded individuals, all volunteers, continued the quest. Very excitingly, in September 2024 the UDCLT saw the successful completion of their first affordable housing project with the transformation of the former Methodist Chapel in the remote Upper Dales village of Bainbridge into two stunning, spacious - and affordable- 2-bedroomed flats. Read more about this project here. Now that we have proved that a small band of enthusiastic volunteers with a vision can make a difference to the affordable housing picture in a remote Upper Dales community there's no stopping us! We will continue in our quest, and are already very busy progressing a number of future projects. Watch this space. |
The FinancesUDCLT faces financial challenges to fund current and future projects, which is why fundraising and financial support locally, regionally and nationally are going to be so important to its ongoing success. Visit our SUPPORT US page for ways you can help the work of UDCLT.
What is a Community Land Trust?Find out more about the history and function of Community Land Trusts here.
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Registered Office: Hudson House, Anvil Square, Reeth, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6TB
Registered Charity Number: 1195077 Contact: [email protected] / Phone: 07980 130014 Click here to visit our Support Us page. Follow us on social media: |
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