Multi-million pound investment call for housing and net zero projects
A call for housing and environmental projects in York and North Yorkshire has been launched today – Tuesday 3 January.
Expressions of interest are being invited for two funds. The £12.7m York and North Yorkshire Brownfield Housing Fund aims to support the building of up to 1,000 homes and the York and North Yorkshire Net Zero Fund offers £7m of funding to develop and deliver a pipeline of net zero projects in the region.
Funding is open to private and public sector organisations.
The York and North Yorkshire Brownfield Housing Fund aims to unlock housing development on brownfield land, with building starting on site no later than March 2025.
Priority will be given to schemes that help deliver affordable, accessible and low carbon housing, creating sustainable and high-quality places.
The York and North Yorkshire Net Zero Fund will invest £1m to support the development of new net zero projects from “idea to investor ready.”
An additional £6m capital will enable the delivery of net zero projects that otherwise would not happen.
North Yorkshire County Council’s leader, Councillor Carl Les, said: “The need to tackle climate change along with the construction of more affordable housing are two of the most pressing issues which we face in North Yorkshire.
“The opportunities presented through the millions of pounds available in these two funds will be vital in helping us address these challenges.
“With the launch of the new North Yorkshire Council on April 1, we are committed to ensuring more affordable homes are built for communities across the county with new planning policies set to be adopted to help us achieve that.
“I would urge anyone who qualifies for the funding to consider applying to help us address these hugely important issues that will benefit both residents and businesses alike across North Yorkshire.”
Leader of City of York Council, Councillor Keith Aspden, said: “Although the devolution consultation process is continuing with the final proposals to be considered by councillors, it’s important we make progress on bigger programmes.
“This includes the housing and net zero projects where we have successfully secured the offer of significant funding.
“I would encourage private and public sector partners to submit their ideas to be a part of York and North Yorkshire’s ambitious future plans.”
The funding forms part of the York and North Yorkshire devolution deal and is subject to the deal securing necessary approvals. If devolution is agreed, the funds will be administered by a new Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA).
Prior to any MCA forming, the investment process will be administered by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Final approval for funding applications could take place from July/August 2023 with delivery expected to start in December 2023.
Expressions of interest must be completed and returned by midday 6 February to enquiries@ynylep.com
