A £2.3 million project to meet the housing need for people with complex needs such as autism has received a green light from the chancellor and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.

The development is being headed by Broadacres at Borough St Giles, near Catterick and comes as they take part in Rural Housing Week.

Six two-bedroom bungalows will be constructed as part of the development to be let for people with complex needs such as autism and learning disabilities.

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The bespoke design for the bungalows makes it possible to “design out” triggers for people with autism, for example, maintenance of services can be undertaken externally which reduces the requirement for access to the home.

Increased insulation in the buildings also reduces noises within the home from the external environment.

A further bungalow will be used by the staff working there and the staff of Stokesley-based Positive individual Proactive Support will provide 25-hour-a-day care and support to residents.

Set to be completed in 2023, the development will enable people currently living outside of North Yorkshire to return to the area, live in the community and be close to family and friends.

Gail Teasdale, chief executive of Broadacres, said she was pleased to show Mr Sunak how the company is “working hard to deliver schemes like this in our communities.”

She added: “When completed, it will provide high-quality accommodation for people with complex needs in the heart of this thriving village community, with expert support on hand 24 hours a day.”

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Mr Sunak said he was “delighted” that the specialist was going ahead and it would meet “a particular housing need for those with complex needs.”

He added: “The build quality looks superb, and I am sure the residents will enjoy living here in a supportive community.”

The project is being supported by NHS England, which is providing a grant of £1.89 million towards the cost of the scheme, as well as Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Low running costs are expected as part of the project as the contractor, Hartforth Homes, is able to use materials and technology which allows them to use little energy.

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