A YOUNG mum whose daughter has special needs, is one of the first to move into a new housing development for people with local ties to a village.

The 16-home development in Hutton Rudby, near Stokesley, forms part of the North Yorkshire Rural Enabler Programme, which supports the development of affordable housing so villages remain sustainable places to live.

In order to be considered for a home, applicants had to demonstrate a connection with Hutton Rudby, either because they worked in the village, or lived or grew-up in the area.

One of those now enjoying life in their new home is Lucie Adlington, who is living in one of the bungalows.

Lucie, 21, lives there with her three-year-old daughter Ava, who has Global Developmental Delay (GDD). The condition was triggered by a serious episode of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) when she was just three years old and affects her motor skills, speech and language.

Lucie said: “My mum and dad, sisters and friends all live in Hutton Rudby so when I discovered Broadacres were building these properties I put my name down for a home.

“When they were being built I would drive past them every day on my way to work and slow down, just hoping and praying that I would be successful.

“When Broadacres told me I could move into the bungalow I was so happy. It means I don’t have to worry about carrying Ava up and down stairs and the house has been designed so it can adapt to her future needs, for example, the bath can be turned into a wet room with shower.

“Being able to stay in the village is so important because it means I am close to my family and friends, who help me with Ava, and she will now be able to go to the village school when she is older. We couldn’t be happier.”

Another resident settling in is Nick Goldsbrough, who moved into a three-bedroom home with his two children, aged 11 and 13.

He said: “I have lived in Hutton Rudby all my life but there’s just no way I would have been able to buy or rent privately a home in the village.

“Prior to moving here we were living with my mum in the village and that meant sharing a bed with my son while my daughter slept on the sofa, which was far from ideal.

“Now we have an amazing house in the village we feel unbelievably lucky.”

The £2m development, Paddocks End, was built by Broadacres in partnership with Hambleton District Council and Esh Property Services. The site was chosen in consultation with local people and the parish council.

Amanda Madden, Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Housing Enabler, said: “House prices, whether buying or renting, are very high in Hutton Rudby, which makes it almost impossible for those who have grown up in the area to remain there.

“That’s why schemes like this are so important and we are delighted that every one of the 16 homes has gone to people from Hutton Rudby.

“These homes could have been allocated three times over from the high housing need that has been identified from Hutton Rudby.”

Colin Wilkie, Chairman of Broadacres, said: “It was a pleasure being able to meet Lucie and Ava in their home and seeing what a difference it is already making to their lives.

“This is a perfect example of what Broadacres is all about and that is providing high quality, affordable homes that enable people to remain in their own communities.”