Work has started on 10 new affordable homes in Goldthorpe, after a £1m investment from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
Two derelict properties will be demolished and replaced with two-bedroom homes, that will be managed by Berneslai Homes when complete.
Shaun O’Brien, property investment and development director at the CRT, said: “The ongoing housing crisis is having a disproportionate impact on the coalfield communities. Someone needs to do something about it.
“This area is challenged by high rents, poor quality housing and absent landlords. It’s not good enough to turn our back on these people, they deserve better and we will continue to show our commitment and to make a difference.”
Helen Jaggar, CEO of Berneslai Homes, said: “This is about lasting impact that will change people’s lives for the better.”
MP John Healey, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing and a long-time supporter of the CRT, attended the sod-cutting ceremony, officially marking works on the site.
He said: “There is next-to-no government help to build new homes at truly affordable rents, so CRT and Berneslai Homes deserve special credit for this housebuilding project. It’s a model of partnership in practice which will benefit the village. But it needs to be scaled-up with Government backing, so that many more young people growing up in Goldthorpe can choose to stay because there are the decent affordable homes they need, both to rent and buy.”
The development will also create jobs and boost the local economy during the construction phase.