Local people to benefit from new homes in South Hams
Work is about to begin on a £2 million development to provide much needed affordable homes for people with a local connection to Marlborough in the South Hams.
Hastoe Housing Association is building 17 homes for rent on a former allotment site next to Charnwood in Malborough near Kingsbridge. The land has been provided by South Hams District Council and supported with investment of more than £1.2 million from the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) and additional funding from Hastoe Housing Association.
Priority for the new homes will be given to families and single people who have a close local connection to the parish of Marlborough.
Marlborough Parish Council, in particular chairman Councillor John Yeoman and clerk Nicola Bass, worked with the district council to establish the level of need for additional affordable housing in Marlborough and find a suitable site.
Councillor Michael Saltern, executive portfolio holder for housing said: “I went to the initial consultation meeting in Marlborough and the village community were very supportive and receptive towards the project.
“Marlborough has a very clear and crucial need for affordable housing and this development emphasises our commitment to providing affordable homes for local people.
“Hastoe Housing Association are specialists in this type of village design and what is planned for Marlborough has been well thought out and designed to compliment and blend in with the rest of the village.”
Anne Harries, regional head of development for Hastoe Housing Association added: “We are delighted to be starting the building work on 17 affordable homes for the local community.
“Our particular thanks to the parish council who have been closely involved and committed to the project and to the district council for providing the land.
“The homes will provide a vital opportunity for local people who might otherwise have been priced out of the village they know so well.”
The HCA is currently working with the council to develop a Local Investment Plan for Devon, which will outline the county’s long-term housing and regeneration priorities.
Colin Molton, HCA Director with responsibility for investment in the South West, said: “Affordable housing is at a premium in areas like Marlborough, as has been demonstrated by the feedback received during the consultation into this development.
“Developing affordable homes that meet the needs of local communities is a priority for us. That is why it’s great to see this much-needed scheme underway. I look forward to seeing the scheme completed and tenants and residents moving into the new homes.
“The role of the parish council in this project is also particularly welcome, demonstrating the effectiveness of local people being involved in the decisions over housing provision in their communities.”
Work on the scheme has already started with the contractors preparing drawings and documents for building regulations.The foundations will start to be laid on site in September and it is anticipated that the homes will take 12 months to complete. Priority for the new homes will be given to people who have a close local connection to the parish of Marlborough.
