The Lyvennet Community Trust (LCT), one of the first community groups supported as part of the Big Society, has been given the green light, meaning work can push forward on its community-driven affordable housing project in Eden.

Sign off by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) of a £600,000 investment has helped unlock a further £1m of funding from Charity Bank.

Approval of this funding has allowed the LCT to appoint Penrith-based Atkinsons as contractor for the scheme to build new affordable homes on the disused Cumbria Stoneworks site in Crosby Ravensworth.

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The scheme will be made up of 12 homes, with 10 for rent and two for shared ownership, with a mixture of two and three bedrooms. An additional eight properties for self builders are also planned, in response to interest from local people to have a hand in the design and construction of their own homes.

The LCT is keen to ensure the scheme stays true to its rural surroundings, so the houses will be placed around a village green with parking and access placed to the rear. Footpaths and lighting will be low-key and the site has also been restricted to a total of 22 homes, meaning the development will be less dense than similar schemes to help keep a traditional village feel.

Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director North West at the HCA, said: "As part of our enabling role, we have worked closely with Lyvennet to bring together the resources and know-how required to deliver this much needed affordable housing. Lyvennet demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together with a clear vision for their community and I am now looking forward to seeing work start."

(CD/GK)