The first properties from a new development of high quality, social rented and shared ownership homes in Ashburton will soon be released for people who have a local connection to the town.

Together with three homes recently completed by Teign Housing at Westabrook, the homes at The Mead in Rew Road represent the first real opportunity for many years for new affordable homes in Ashburton.

The development, which is expected to be completed by the autumn, consists of 25 social rented and 14 shared ownership homes ranging from one bed flats to four bed houses, all built to high energy savings standards by housing provider, LiveWest, resulting in a high EPC B rating. 

To apply for any of the properties, applicants need to have a local connection to Ashburton as set out in Dartmoor NP planning policy.

Residents with a connection to Ashburton interested in the social housing should register with Devon Home Choice or phone 01626 215200 so that they are able to apply when properties become available.

The development is a result of a partnership between LiveWest, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Ashburton Town Council  and Teignbridge District Council which have all worked together to get the development to this stage.

Due to the commitment of Teignbridge Council to increase the availability of social housing within the district and a higher grant from Homes England, the rented properties will be set at the lowest affordable rent.

The first properties to be available will be 10 shared ownership homes and to register for them, applicants should contact LiveWest on 0800 027 9801 or email newhomes@livewest.co.uk

The development will benefit from Homes England strategic partnership funding.

Michael Howells, Assistant Development Manager for LiveWest, said: “We are very excited that the first homes to be completed will be made available for people with a local connection to the town of Ashburton.

“Our vision is to create homes and communities that people love to live in and this is a location which definitely supports this.  Due to the additional funding, the development at Ashburton is being delivered as a 100 per cent affordable housing development.”

Dan Janota, Head of Forward Planning and Economy, Dartmoor National Park Authority said: “These new affordable homes in Ashburton are testament to the persistence and determination of all the partners involved to bring forward a much-needed housing scheme in the town. The homes at The Mead will help local people live in the Dartmoor community that they love and play an important part in the enabling Ashburton to move forward as a varied, vibrant and thriving town.”

Executive member for Housing at Teignbridge, Cllr Martin Wrigley praised the efforts to bring these homes forward. “Increasing the number of affordable homes in Ashburton will help local people find the homes they need.  I would like to thank all those who have been involved in delivering this project and look forward seeing the homes in use.”

Cllr. Jenny Giles Mayor Ashburton Town Council said:  "The last affordable housing project in Ashburton was completed in 2000. We would like to thank the landowners who enabled The Mead project to go forward, together with Teignbridge District Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, LiveWest, and Homes England. Additionally thanks go to Teign Housing for bringing forward the Westbrook affordable homes. These affordable homes will enable Ashburton residents to continue to live in, and contribute to, their community."