High quality affordable new homes for people in Bideford
Westward, the largest provider of housing association homes in Torridge, is celebrating the first 15 of 25 new affordable, high quality homes at a new development in Bideford, working in partnership with Bloor Homes.
The 25 Westward homes at Winsford Park, off Abbotsham Road, will provide 13 homes for social rent (one, two three and four bed maisonettes and houses) and 12 for shared ownership (two and three bed houses).
The shared ownership homes provide a mix of two and three-bed family houses. Whilst the homes for rent offer one, two, three and four bed accommodation in maisonettes (flats) and houses designed to support a variety of household needs.
Delighted customers are already living in some of the homes which were ready in December and March. Excited potential residents will be viewing the newly available rental properties next week and further shared ownership enquiries are coming in from potential owners looking to own one of these great quality homes in Bideford.
Katherine, who has moved into one of the flats to rent, was delighted to find it was a good size, light and airy with a lovely kitchen. She told us that it has great views over a field and is an easy 25 minute walk or short bus ride into Bideford. It’s far more affordable than private rent and: “It gives me a sense of independence after living in an annexe at my grandad’s for the past seven years. It really means a lot.”
Westward chief executive, Stephen Lodge, said, “I am delighted that Westward has been able to provide affordable homes of such a high quality, on an attractive estate in Bideford.
“We are ambitious in our aim to help address the huge need for affordable housing across the south west region. We’re grateful to partners at Bloor Homes, Torridge District Council and all those involved in bringing these desirable and attractive homes into being so that families can build their lives in them for generations to come.”
The Westward rental homes are for local people in the first instance, so these new homes play a vital role in increasing availability of secure, quality accommodation for those who most need it.
For shared owners, the attractive new model lease will apply with a repair liability to Westward Housing. In addition, those who purchase shared ownership homes will benefit from the ability to ‘staircase’ to fully owning their home.
Bloor have contributed more than £9 million as part of the overall new homes project including £3.7 million to a primary school, £1.7 million to on-site facilities, £675,000 to bus services and £478,000 to a swimming pool.
Steve Hearse, chief executive of Torridge District Council said, “I am delighted that local residents are starting to feel the benefits from the arrival of these high-quality homes. With the demand for affordable housing continuing to grow, every new home provided under the scheme offers local people and families the opportunity for security, stability and a place to call home in areas they want to live.
“It’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Westward Housing and I look forward to exploring more opportunities to work together to deliver further benefits to the residents of Torridge.”
This is the first phase in a much larger scheme by Bloor Homes of 750 homes including 225 affordable homes which will develop over the five or so years ahead.
Ken Allen, Director of Partnership Housing at Bloor Homes, said, “Bloor Homes are pleased to be working in partnership with Westward and the District Council to develop much-needed newly built affordable homes in Bideford. We have an excellent working relationship with Westward and look forward to working with them as the site continues into the next phase.”
Solar photovoltaic panels on all properties means homes have a high energy efficiency status of EPC B rating, this helps to ensure warm and more affordable homes to heat for our customers. They support Westward’s commitment to environmental sustainability. All houses will benefit from private gardens with sheds.
Allocation of rented housing is through Devon Home Choice. Shared ownership housing is allocated on the basis of local connection first and then cascaded out further subject to need. The site is at a great location with just one mile’s easy access to Bideford town centre.
