New affordable homes coming to Torrington

Work has begun on 58 new affordable homes in Great Torrington, North Devon.

The properties are being delivered as part of a partnership between housing association Aster Group, affordable and social housing developer Clayewater Homes, and Torridge District Council.

Site clearance and construction of the new development is well underway. It will offer 22 homes for affordable rent and 36 to part-own through the shared ownership scheme.

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, said: “We have a vision that ‘everyone has a home’ and we hope that the new 58 affordable properties coming to Great Torrington will make a big difference to the local community.

“Whether looking to rent or part-own through shared ownership, the mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes will cater to a range of people enabling them to live in an area they love, close to family and friends.”

Built over 4.2 acres, the development will comprise mid-terrace, end-terrace, semi-detached and detached homes. Due for completion in spring/summer 2024, the development will also include public open space and a children’s play area for residents and the wider local community to use.

The land is also part of a wider plan including the widening of the nearby highway, Hatchmoore Common Lane. This infrastructure improvement, along with a new footpath, will help with connections for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles between the development, the town centre and key employment areas.

Brian Webber, Managing Director of Clayewater Homes, said: “We have built a reputation for taking on projects that meet challenges, be that sites with limited access and space, sites with brownfield challenges, or in this case, simply responding to the critical need for greater supply of affordable new homes in the South West. We are delighted to be partnering with Aster Group for the first time, an organisation that shares our vision of providing much needed affordable housing.”

Torridge District Councillor Rachel Clarke – Lead Member for Homelessness and Housing Need said: “We’re excited to see this project starting to come to fruition and look forward to the realisation of the additional units of affordable housing the site promises to deliver. The demand for affordable housing has never been greater as the housing crisis in the area, but also nationally, continues to grow and worsen. Hopefully, we’ll see more schemes like this coming forward in the future and look forward to working with developers to deliver more housing for those that currently find themselves priced out of the market”.