A RUNDOWN bus depot transformed into a £2.9m affordable housing scheme for working people in Richmondshire has welcomed its new residents.

Priory House, a 24-home development built by Broadacres on the site of the former Arriva bus depot next to the Station, Richmond, has been praised by new residents.

Jackie Stephens said moving into a two-bedroom apartment came at the best possible time for her and her husband.

Mrs Stephens, who suffers from arthritis, said it was getting increasingly difficult to maintain the larger home they had in the nearby village of Caldwell.

She said said: “We lived in Caldwell for over 20 years and it was a much bigger family home, but living so rurally was becoming a struggle, especially with my arthritis, and we realised we needed to downsize and be much closer to local amenities.

“We heard about the homes being built by Broadacres and that we met the criteria to be considered for one because we were employed and already living in Richmondshire.

“Our new home is the perfect size for the two of us. It is easy to maintain and so close to the town centre and other local amenities such as the swimming pool.”

Broadacres built the homes in partnership with Richmondshire District Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and St Martin’s Parish Council.

The £2.9m development, which is next to the Station complex, has 20 two-bedroom apartments and four one-bedroom apartments. The homes have all been let to people in permanent employment or taking up permanent employment in Richmondshire.

Fiona Coleman, development manager for Broadacres, said: “The design and materials used blend in with the existing streetscape and enables employed households to live closer to their jobs at an affordable level, reducing travel costs and bringing more disposable income into the town.”

Councillor Ian Threlfall, deputy leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: “Enabling people to live in the area where they work can only have a positive impact on the local economy.”

Councillor Wyn Delf, chairman of St Martin’s Parish Council, said: “We are delighted that this lovely new development is providing homes for people working in Richmond and the surrounding area.”

Helen Fielding, senior area manager, from the Homes and Communities Agency, which provided a grant of £792,000 towards the development, said: “This project is a great example of how joint working can deliver really positive results for local people, and I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to support these quality new apartments.”