Bainbridge Chapel converted into affordable homes
In September 2024, Bainbridge Methodist Chapel reopened its doors - not as a place of worship, but as two affordable homes for local residents. Led by the Upper Dales Community Land Trust (UDCLT) and supported by the Rural Housing Enabler programme, this community-led project shows how rural places can take housing into their own hands.
It is the Upper Dales Community Land Trust's first completed scheme.
Councillor Yvonne Peacock, Upper Dales Community Land Trust Member said: “We have such wonderful memories of this chapel. Now it’s something we can celebrate again as it’s still very much part of the community.”
How it started
Back in 2018, a Housing Needs Survey carried out by the Rural Housing Enabler identified a clear demand for affordable homes in Bainbridge and its surrounding villages. The Methodist Chapel was highlighted as a potential site. However, when the Methodist Circuit chose not to develop it, the newly formed Upper Dales Community Land Trust stepped in.
With funding from the former Richmondshire District Council and Homes England, the Trust bought the chapel in November 2021 and partnered with North Star Housing to carry out the sensitive conversion.
“This project succeeded because the community and chapel supported it from the start," said Amanda Madden, former Rural Housing Enabler.
The role of the Rural Housing Enabler
The Rural Housing Enabler programme provided early and ongoing support by:
- delivering the original Housing Needs Survey
- identifying the chapel as a potential development site
- connecting the Upper Dales Community Land Trust with partners and funding
- continuing to support future planning and site identification
James Walder, CEO of North Star Housing said: "It's a brilliant example of what is possible when organisations work together."
Impact in the Dales
The new homes, managed by North Star Housing, were let to local people through the North Yorkshire Homes Choice policy. Both residents had a strong local connection - supporting the aim of helping people stay rooted in their community.
“We face big challenges in the Dales. Well-designed, affordable homes incorporating sustainable technology contribute to environmental goals and enable local people to stay connected to their communities,” said Stephen Stubbs, Chair of Upper Dales Community Land Trust.
Projects like this support long-term sustainability in rural areas. This ensures that young people, essential workers and families have the opportunity to live locally in homes that are both affordable and energy efficient.
Looking ahead
This is just the beginning for the Upper Dales Community Land Trust. With support from the Rural Housing Enabler programme, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Star Housing Group and Homes England, the Trust is working to identify more small sites for affordable, community-led housing.
“We still see a need for affordable homes in Bainbridge and across the Yorkshire Dales. This project shows what’s possible,” said Rachel Tait, Rural Housing Enabler.
Contact us
If you have a small piece of land you would like to see used for community benefit, please contact the Rural Housing Enablers team.
To view images of the Bainbridge Chapel project visit the Upper Dales Community Land Trust website.