Work begins on 40-home Devon CLT scheme

Construction has begun on a North Devon housing development that is set to provide dozens of affordable homes for local residents.

Aster Group has partnered with South Molton Community Land Trust (CLT) to deliver 40 affordable homes at Spindle Rise, off Nadder Lane in South Molton.

The development will comprise 40 properties for social rent, including four maisonettes and a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. 

Priority will be given to people with a strong local connection and an identified housing need.

The scheme has been developed by South Molton CLT, which was established by local residents to help create affordable and secure housing for people in the area.

Val Schenn, from South Molton CLT, said: “Empowering the local community to lead the CLT development process ensures that these new homes will permanently provide secure, long-term sustainable, and energy-efficient homes, with affordable social rents for those on low incomes.

“This particular community-driven approach by the South Molton CLT provides those with a ten-year connection to the town the opportunity to keep close to their family, local jobs, key workers and community area support teams and networks, aiming to keep the community together.

“It’s the first project of its kind for South Molton and we are super excited to be paving the way for future projects by the community for the community.”

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster Group, added: “Spindle Rise will be the biggest CLT scheme we’ve delivered to date. 

“The combination of social rent and sustainable features will make these 40 homes genuinely affordable for the new residents.

“Devon is truly embracing the CLT movement, clearly recognising the value of a community-led housing model that delivers affordable homes in an area significantly affected by rising rental and house prices.”

Alongside the homes, the development will include a play area, football pitch, wildflower meadow and orchard trees. 

Sustainable features such as air source heat pumps and solar panels will also be incorporated.

Expected to complete by the end of 2027, the project has secured support from Homes England’s Affordable Housing Programme and forms part of wider efforts to address housing challenges across North Devon through community-led housing initiatives.

Councillor Graham Bell, lead member for housing for North Devon Council, added: “Councillor Worden and the CLT team in South Molton deserve our utmost admiration for what they have done. 

“Once again showing that with a lot of perseverance and a little luck, a community can achieve something spectacular.”

Councillor David Worden, chair of North Devon Council, added: “We are excited and proud to be working with Aster Group to provide badly needed social rented accommodation for the local people of South Molton. 

“After much hard work, our dream should become a reality by the end of next year and I hope it will spur other CLTs to do something similar in their areas to assist hard working local families.”

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