Work starts on Shepley scheme

Vivly is building 52 homes in the village near Huddersfield, in phase two of its Knowle Grange development.

The first phase, which consisted of 31 homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms is now sold out, with the developer hoping for similar success in this next step.

Plans for the scheme were originally rejected by Kirklees Council, prompting a redesign by Vivly that was approved in January.

Oliver Bottomley, associate director – land and development at Vivly Living, said: “These homes will be energy-efficient and offer additional garden space, providing comfortable and sustainable living for our customers.

“I’d like to say a personal thank you to Cllr John Taylor, the Shepley ward member and deputy leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, who has helped to ensure that we can build much-needed affordable housing for Shepley and allowed us to introduce the First Home Scheme, helping first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.”

Cllr Taylor explained: “The first phase proved popular and in both phases I am pleased to see properties for first-time buyers.

“It is important that the younger generations get the same opportunities to get their foot on the housing ladder as I did.

“Shepley is a wonderful and active village and a great place to start and bring up your family.

“This plan includes some two-bed houses under the First Homes scheme which will be ideal for young people wanting to buy their first home.

“Being able to buy a home in the village you grew up in is an aspiration for many young people locally.”

“As a Shepley resident, I am delighted to see such quality houses, with attractive stone, being built in our village.

“I have supported this sensitive development, which is perfectly in tune with the character and ambience of the rest of Shepley, since the early planning stages and it is very satisfying to see the original vision become reality and be so successful.”