A development of nine new homes in Denbury has opened its doors to new owners within the local community.
Work to build them – carried out by local construction company Classic Homes, started in January last year, but the impact of Covid and lockdown led to delays, but these were overcome by the contractor and were back on track for completion before Christmas.
Some residents moved in just in time for Christmas, with others reaching final completion in the next few weeks.
The scheme was funded by grants from Homes England together with £100,000 from Teignbridge District Council to support the viability of the scheme, which included £50,000 from the Council’s Community Led Housing Fund.
Councillor Martin Wrigley, the Council’s Executive Lead for Housing, said: “Building affordable homes for local residents is core to what we are here to do, and seeing them completed and families moving into their new homes is really exciting.
“This mixed development of homes shows it’s possible to deliver with both quality and affordability. We are proud to see the results of our successful partnership with local Housing Association Willow Tree Housing, developers Classic Homes and Denbury Parish Council, along with support from Homes England.
“And most important of all, is the difference this will make to local people’s lives. People for whom a home of their own was just a pipe dream, now have a chance to make it reality – and to stay in their local community.”
Fiona Blake currently lives with her brother and sister-in-law and two teenage children in the Teignbridge village of Denbury. Having changed careers three years ago to become a school teacher, Fiona says she hadn’t really contemplated buying her own house, as she had never been in a position to buy one before. She will be completing on her property and moving in in the next few weeks.
“It was an incredible opportunity,” said Fiona. “I never imagined I’d be able to afford somewhere, so when this opportunity came up I thought, ‘what do I have to lose?’
“I applied, and a week or so before Christmas the estate agent phoned me and said I’d been successful. It was an incredible feeling.”
Donna Johnson, Chief Executive of the Willow Tree Housing Partnership said: “Our new scheme at Denbury was a long time in the planning and completion, involving many partners working together to achieve common goals. I am delighted that we have been able to provide new affordable housing for people to remain in the area where they live. I hope that this development, built to high standards with quality materials, will be enjoyed by people for generations to come.”
Lewis Tolputt – Business Development Manager, Classic Builders, said: “Everyone at Classic Builders has been incredibly proud to play a part in delivering this beautiful scheme. As a Devon-based building company we are pleased to have had the opportunity not only to build local homes for local residents but also to share this privilege with our trusted and vetted local supply chain partners.”
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