New housing scheme opened at community event in Dishforth

The scheme, called The Meadows, is located at Topcliffe Road in Dishforth, North Yorkshire and includes 56 homes overall, with 22 allocated to housing provider Stonewater for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Delivered in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council, Newett Homes and Beardsmore Associates, The Meadows includes a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes that look out onto public open space where the stone sculpture is situated. Each home has been built with exceptional skill and quality, with features such as handmade bricks, brick detailing, oak canopies and bi-fold doors.

Located on the site is a stone sculpture that incorporates a number of depictions relating to the local area and community and was created by Yorkshire stonemason, Steve Roche, out of an eight-ton block of Peak Moor sandstone.

Chris Montague, Director of Development (North and East) at Stonewater said: "It’s been fantastic to see this new community come to life throughout the development phase and seeing everyone come together for the official opening gave a real sense of community spirit.

"The new piece of artwork, which is part of an overarching commitment by Stonewater to install public art at our developments, is a poignant nod to the local area, both past and present and we hope it is enjoyed by the community for years to come."

Councillor Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, said: “We want to do everything we can to ensure local people have the opportunity of a decent and affordable home in the Harrogate district.

"This new development in Dishforth helps towards that, and I’d like to thank Newett Homes, Stonewater and Beardsmore Associates for helping bring this new development and community together."

Will Newett, Director at Newett Homes, added: "It’s brilliant to see The Meadows residents and wider community come together to celebrate the official opening of the development. The moving sculpture is an important part of the The Meadows’ legacy and gives the community something to enjoy and be proud of."

The opening event was attended by residents of the scheme and students from Dishforth Village Primary School.

The sculpture depicts a missing man formation of a world war two plane to symbolise the key role of the local RAF Dishforth air base during both world wars. Maple leaves have also been carved into the piece to pay tribute to the Canadian soldiers that operated out of the base.

BBC Radio York's poet laureate, Olivia Mulligan, developed a poem through workshops at Dishforth Village Primary and Dishforth Airfield Primary schools, which has also been engraved into the sculpture.