News and events

April 2011

Works starts on a dozen new homes for rent in Exmoor

A  £1.575 million scheme to build 12 affordable homes for rent in Exmoor National Park has begun at Barnes Close Mead, Dulverton.

The homes are being built by Devonshire Homes for Magna West Somerset Housing Association (MWS), Charter's sister company. The project has also been supported by the Homes and Communities Agency, Exmoor National Park Authority, West Somerset Council and Dulverton Town Council.

The HCA is investing £684,000 in the development, which is on an ‘exception site’ where planning consent is restricted to affordable homes.

People in housing need from Dulverton and surrounding parishes will have priority to rent the properties.

Tony Murray, director of MWS, which is putting £891,000 into the scheme, said: “There is a very real need for affordable housing for local people in Exmoor so we are pleased to be working with partners to provide new homes in Dulverton.”

Paul Land, Managing Director for Devonshire Homes said: “After a lot of hard work from all parties involved, Devonshire Homes are delighted to be starting work on this new project which will provide much needed affordable homes for local people.”

New allotments will be created next to the homes.

Dr Nigel Stone, chief executive at Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted that work is underway on this scheme which means that more that 60 affordable homes have been provided in the National Park since the new planning policies came into effect in 2007. This is helping to meet need for local affordable housing and is a high priority for the National Park Authority.”

Steve Jackson, HCA area manager, added: “This scheme has been identified as a high priority for investment in Somerset and will make a big difference to local people who need access to affordable housing in this area.

“Opportunities for people to move into affordable housing in Exmoor National Park are limited, which can cause people who have lived in the area all their lives to move away from communities and families and break life-long ties.

“So it’s good news that this scheme is now progressing and I look forward to the day when the first tenants move into the homes.”

The homes are due to be completed by early 2012. To apply, you must be registered on the Homefinder Somerset Register. Visit www.homefindersomerset.co.uk for registration details. For more information about registering, contact West Somerset Council on 01643 703704.