Housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – currently creating a number of new communities across Devon – contributed more than £308m to the UK’s economic output in the last financial year.
The developers also built 1,588 properties across the West region, with a total market value of £461m. This resulted in a £28.7m spend in shops and services by residents of new homes, supporting 283 retail and service-related jobs.
In 2013, Barratt Developments became the first housebuilder to publish an economic footprint report, showcasing its impact on the country’s economy. Since then, the report has grown to highlight the company’s wider social and environmental contributions, reinforcing its commitment to building thriving communities and supporting sustainable development.
The achievements highlighted in its latest Socio-Economic Footprint report measures the contribution made by the Barratt Group to people, places and nature for the financial year 2024 (1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024). During the year, 100% of developments actively contributed to community infrastructure which across the West region (comprising Bristol, Exeter, South West and South Wales divisions) included:
- Delivering 331 affordable homes, sold 51% below the average price of a private new house
- Creating 39.2 hectares of green space – equivalent to 56 football pitches
- More than £319,000 donated to charity and pledging 1,311 hours of employee volunteering
- 2,027 priority species enhancements installed, including 547 swift nesting bricks, 1,167 hedgehog highways and 163 bat boxes
- £11.9m local contributions, including s106 and equivalent contributions such as the Community Infrastructure Levy
- Hiring 42 graduates, apprentices and trainees on various employment programmes, contributing an estimated £458k to the wider economy
- Investing £55.86m on physical works to benefit local communities such as highway and environmental improvements
- Providing 218 new school places
- Supporting 1,366 sub-contractor or supplier companies to create local employment opportunities, resulting in a total spend of £281m
Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, said: “We remain proud to see the tangible impact our developments have on the UK economy and local communities. These latest figures reinforce our commitment to creating not just homes, but opportunities for people and businesses alike.”
Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, added: “As a responsible housebuilder, showcasing our economic and social contributions is central to our mission to leave a positive, lasting legacy in the communities we serve.”
Concluding, Nicki Reid, sales director for BarrattDavid Wilson Homes Exeter, said: “This report highlights the meaningful ways we support local communities and demonstrates the wider positive impact we have across the region.”
The Socio-Economic Footprint report was carried out by planning and development consultancy, Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited trading as ‘Lichfields’.
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building much-needed new homes across Devon, at Victoria Heights in Exeter,Fairfax Heath in Tiverton, Okement Park andHampton Mill in Okehampton, and Berry Acres in Paignton. Barratt Homes offers a range of schemes to support you with your new home journey, including the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme and Part Exchange Guarantee.
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