A PHASED handover of affordable homes is being carried out at a £21 million development in Silsden.

Lindum Group has begun handing over the latest batch of properties, at the former Riverside Works, to Yorkshire Housing.

In total, 156 houses – a mixture of two, three and four-bed – are being built on the site.

More than 60 have already been taken on by Yorkshire Housing.

And now further properties – which will be available for affordable rent, shared ownership and rent-to-buy – are being handed over, at a rate of around six to eight every fortnight.

Lindum Group managing director, James Nellist, says: "We are thrilled to be handing over another phase of this very important development for the area.

"A shortage of affordable housing is one of the key issues we are facing nationally, so it is significant that we can deliver these homes to do our bit to help support our local communities.

"We have a fantastic team working on this site to produce the best quality homes for those seeking to get on the property ladder or looking for affordable rent.

"The whole team has pulled together to overcome significant challenges across the project, including the impact of the war in Ukraine, to continue to hand over high-quality, affordable homes on time."

Yorkshire Housing said it was "delighted" to be involved in the scheme.

Director of development, Sian Webster, added: "Yorkshire Housing is committed to building 8,000 new affordable homes across the region to help ease the housing crisis.

"We know there is a lack of affordable homes in the Silsden area and this important development will help to provide quality properties where individuals and families can thrive and put down roots."

Earlier this year, the site won a regional Local Authority Building Control 'recognition award' for its management.

And it's in the running for a national Best Social Housing Development award next year, plus a regional Pride in the Job accolade.

Detailed plans for the development were approved in 2020 by Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee.

The site, which housed a former weaving mill until it was demolished in 2013, had previously been earmarked for a supermarket and filling station.

Proposals for housing on the plot were first approved in outline form in 2018, despite a number of objections.

Opponents raised concerns over possible flooding of the land and traffic issues on neighbouring roads.