As part of their ongoing housing development at The Fairways in Penrith, Story Homes has contributed almost £730,000 to their local communities.

In line with Section 106 (S106) agreements between the housebuilder and Eden District Council, Story Homes has paid approximately £728,000 in education contributions and highways improvements to help mitigate any impact the development may have on existing local services and infrastructure in Penrith.

The first contribution of over £350k was paid to Eden District Council by the housebuilder back in July 2019, and a further financial contribution of approximately £377,000 was paid earlier this month.

It is expected that the education contribution from Story shall be used towards a new primary school to serve the children of Penrith, with further contributions from other developers that are also building homes in the area. 

Throughout the lifecycle of The Fairways development – which began construction in 2017 – Story Homes has made a number of ongoing contributions to the local community. Prior to any works commencing on site, Story Homes orchestrated an archaeological dig back in 2016 to uncover and record the known Roman Road, and in 2018, the housebuilder also donated £3,000 to the Fairhill Community Group to enhance and expand its existing play area. 

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Adam McNally, Land Manager at Story Homes, said: "The homes that we build are part of wider communities, and we recognise the importance of filling any infrastructure gaps.

"The Fairways scheme has appropriately responded to local needs and continues to provide support for neighbouring amenities in the area. As a Cumbrian-headquartered business we take great satisfaction in supporting infrastructure improvements and benefits to the residents of Penrith, adding long term value to the area."

With the aim of improving choice across the local housing market, Story Homes was also recently granted planning permission to build 149 dwellings as part of a new development, 'Brougham Fields', on land off Carleton Road in Penrith.

As part of the S106 agreements for the new development, which is set to launch in summer 2020, Story Homes has pledged to pay over £600k in education contributions and over £200k in highways improvements and travel plans.

The new Story Homes properties in Carleton shall continue to help increase direct and indirect investment in local shops, services and facilities. Furthermore, the development shall bring economic benefits to the area during the construction phase, including sustaining jobs for local subcontractors and support for local businesses and supply chains. The development is also delivering 44 affordable homes for local people.

(MH/JG)