Homes planned for coastal erosion victims

A council has agreed to contribute £800,000 to a new housing development for people who have been displaced by coastal erosion in East Yorkshire.

The project, consisting of two and three bed houses at Church Farm, in Skipsea, will be developed by Broadacres Housing Association.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the region has some of the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, with some parts losing up to 4.5m (14.7ft) each year.

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said the project would aim to help keep residents in their local area, as well as increase social housing availability.

She said: "Coastal erosion is a real challenge in the East Riding, where we have some of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe.

"We're committed to supporting communities facing coastal erosion and taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term security of our coastal regions."

The homes will be available for social rent and shared ownership and will be built on the site of empty agricultural buildings.

The council's £800,000 contribution to the development is funded by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs as part of the Changing Coast East Riding project.

The council secured £15m funding for the project in 2022.

Helen Fielding, director of development and investment at Broadacres, said: "We are delighted that East Riding of Yorkshire Council have pledged support for this important project.

"We are working hard to finalise our plans for its delivery and hope to be in a position to make a further announcement in the very near future.

"These homes are of critical importance to local residents, and we are grateful for the partnership working with the council and other funding bodies that will enable us to deliver them."

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