Sir Julian Smith MP has welcomed the announcement that North Yorkshire Council will be adding the first new council homes to Skipton in decades.
The council plans to spend £840,000 to purchase 12 houses in a 53-home development on Airedale Avenue, prioritising families with local connections.
Commenting, Julian said,
"I am pleased to learn that North Yorkshire Council is taking significant steps to address the housing needs in Skipton. "
"Well done to Councillor Simon Myers as the Executive Member for Housing on the addition of these new council homes, which is a positive development for our community, providing much-needed accommodation for families on the housing waiting list.
"While this is just a start, it represents a crucial step towards meeting the high demand for housing in our area."
The new homes are expected to be completed between March and December 2026, addressing the pressing housing needs in the former Craven district, where nearly 700 applicants are on the waiting list.
In addition to the council's purchase, Bracewell Homes will acquire four homes for shared ownership, further supporting local housing needs.
The council's 30-year business plan includes the delivery of 500 new council homes by 2029, funded primarily through the housing revenue account and right-to-buy receipts

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