.jpg)
The development has been in extremely high demand with over 250 people bidding for the rented properties through the Devon Home Choice system.
The homes, built by Taylor Wimpey, feature a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties. The total cost of the scheme has been around £5m and is supported by an investment of around £2.6m from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), and further funding support from Torridge District Council and Devon & Cornwall Housing.
Two of the four-bed homes for rent have been adapted for full Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compatibility. This means they are fitted with a stair lift, special kitchen, wetroom, covered parking and have electrically operated doors and windows. This type of property is in short supply in many areas.
The new homes meet level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which means they are energy efficient. Each of the properties has roof solar panels, a special mechanism for heat recovery, radiators which use off-peak electricity and high levels of insulation.
The scheme has completed just in time to celebrate Rural Housing Week which is taking place in the South West this week, Monday 3 October to Sunday 9 October. Rural Housing Week aims to raise awareness of the value of affordable housing for keeping local communities and villages alive. Shops, post offices, schools and pubs are disappearing as local people are being priced out of rural England, therefore schemes like Holsworthy are so important.
Alan Partridge, Development Policy Manager, Devon & Cornwall Housing said: “It is unusual for DCH to be able to provide so many affordable homes on one site within a relatively small market town such as Holsworthy. This has been made possible by close partnership working between Torridge DC, Taylor Wimpey and DCH together with the HCA’s grant support. We are extremely pleased with the quality and finish of these homes, which come from Taylor Wimpey’s standard housing range, and we hope that residents will benefit from low running costs resulting from the renewable technologies incorporated in the heating and hot water systems.”
Cllr David Lausen, Torridge District Council’s Lead Member for Homes and Housing, said: "Affordable homes for local people has a very high priority because they play such an important part in keeping communities vibrant and distinctive."
Matt Dodd, HCA’s Rural and Communities Manager, added: “This impressive scheme will make a big difference to Holsworthy, where demand for affordable housing is very high.
“We are committed to working with partners to meet the need for affordable housing in rural areas, because we understand the positive impact they can have in helping people with life-long connections to their communities remain there, which in turn can sustain village economies. I am really pleased that this scheme is complete and ready for residents.”
