New scheme officially opened 

We’re delighted to see a former airfield in Ashbourne has been transformed into a thriving new community of affordable homes, bringing high-quality, energy-efficient housing to the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.

The new development on Cavendish Drive, is owned and managed by NCHA, and has created 35 affordable homes to help meet local housing need. Representatives from Derbyshire Dales District Council, developer MyPad and residents recently came together to celebrate the completion of the scheme at an official opening event.

Creating homes for local people

The development includes a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows, providing a range of housing options for individuals, couples and families.

Sixteen homes have been made available for affordable rent and allocated through Derbyshire Dales District Council's housing register. A further 19 homes have been offered through shared ownership, helping local people take an affordable first step onto the property ladder.

While all rental homes have now been allocated, a small number of shared ownership properties remain available.

Supporting residents to thrive

Among the new residents are Alison and Andy, who recently moved into one of the development's new-build bungalows.

They spoke positively about the benefits of having an accessible, modern home that will support them in later life and praised the NCHA team for providing reassurance throughout the moving process.

Their story reflects the wider impact of the development, which is already helping to create a welcoming and supportive new community in Ashbourne.

Built for the future

Designed with sustainability at its heart, every home at the development achieves an EPC A rating.

The homes include air source heat pumps and solar panels to help residents reduce their energy bills and environmental impact. The scheme also incorporates features to encourage local biodiversity, including bat and swift boxes as well as hedgehog highways.

Set against the backdrop of the Derbyshire Dales, residents can also enjoy stunning views towards Thorpe Cloud and the surrounding countryside.

Celebrating a community milestone

The development was officially opened by Derbyshire Dales Civic Chair, Councillor Jo Linthwaite, who marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Fran Cropper, Assistant Director of Development and Sales at NCHA, said:

"We remain committed to our mission of building homes people can afford, with a target of delivering 370 new affordable homes each year across the East Midlands. It's fantastic to see these energy-efficient homes completed and a new community already beginning to flourish."
Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council, added:

"Providing affordable homes is one of our top priorities, and it's great to welcome another high-quality development to the Derbyshire Dales. These homes have been designed to support lower energy costs and sustainable living, and they will provide a real lifeline for local people in need of affordable housing."

Working in partnership

The development was built by MyPad and has been made possible through a successful funding partnership between NCHA and Homes England.

It forms part of NCHA's Strategic Partnership with Homes England for 2021–2028, helping to increase the supply of affordable homes across the East Midlands and deliver more of the homes people need.

For NCHA, the completion of the Ashbourne development is another important step towards its commitment to building affordable, sustainable homes and creating communities where people can thrive.