Young people in Calver are being given a helping hand to stay in their village thanks to the development of four new affordable homes.
The Peak District National Park Authority has approved a scheme for the two-bedroom semi-detached homes which will be available for rent to local young people who struggle to find adequate housing.
The development comes after a Derbyshire Dales Di
strict Council survey last year identified 18 local households in need of affordable housing.
National Park Authority planning committee chair Cllr Hilda Gaddum said: "I'm happy to say the committee unanimously approved the scheme. The houses are designed to fit the authority's guidelines - stone-built to blend with the cottage architecture of the village's conservation area, with high standards of insulation and energy efficiency."
Housing association manager Alison Clamp said: "We're very pleased the authority gave its approval. The survey proved that two-bedroom homes for young families are certainly needed in Calver, where I have been looking for suitable sites for about 15 years."
Isabel Bellamy, rural housing enabler for Derbyshire Dales, said: "This is welcome news for Calver, where we've calculated that people need a household income of £45,000 a year to buy their first home. An entry-level home here would cost about £134,950, with a deposit of 25 per cent, which is beyond many local young people.
The homes will be built on vacant land in Main Street by local builders Wilcockson Construction of Hathersage and will be rented to long-time local residents in housing need. Those who want to apply should register at www.home-options.org or 01629 761311."
