Local people to benefit from Westward’s new affordable homes
21 January 2025
The UK is experiencing a significant housing crisis and Plymouth is not immune from its effects.
The homes are being built by regional award-winning construction firm Classic Builders and work has already begun to provide these attractive new two and three bedroom homes following the successful completion of two other projects for Westward Housing in the city.
The 43 homes will offer a range of housing options including 20 homes for social rent to local people, these will be let through Devon Home Choice. There will also be 9 rent to buy homes which provide an opportunity for people to save for a deposit so they can then buy the home they are renting.
For those seeking shared ownership opportunities this estate will also offer 14 homes. Part-rent, part-buy sales will be through the sales team at Westward Housing with homes advertised on the website in due course.
The homes on this significant site are being provided in partnership and jointly funded by Plymouth City Council’s Plan for Homes initiative and Homes England’s ‘Affordable Housing Programme’ alongside funding from Westward.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, said: "We're so very pleased to see this development come forward and provide much-needed affordable homes for our city.
"The UK is experiencing a significant housing crisis and Plymouth is not immune from its effects. Schemes like this, where we can work with partners to unlock sites for homes, are crucial to improving the lives of people here in our city and I can't wait for work to start."
Westward Housing has designed the homes to a high building regulations standard. Homes will have EPC (energy efficiency performance) rating to a minimum standard of B across the site. All homes will be sustainable timber frame construction with solar photovoltaic panels, high insulation standards and gas combination central heating and hot water systems.
Environmental management has been a priority. Westward Housing is working with the Environment Agency to ensure protection for the fish that spawn in the brook whilst improving improved flood risk protection to benefit the community.
Stephen Lodge, Chief Executive at Westward Housing, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Westward to work with Plymouth City Council on a major site and make a huge difference to local people in terms of their housing options. I’m delighted to be working with our partners at Plymouth City Council and Classic Builders along with the other contractors to provide such a high standard of housing for those who need it most.”
The land was formerly a brownfield site with multiple previous uses including a bus repair yard. Colebrook is a highly desirable area of Plympton with great transport networks and local amenities. The homes will be ready from Spring 2026.