New Council Homes opened in St Ann's Chapel

For the first time in a generation, South Hams District Council has built its own affordable homes, which will help tackle the district’s housing crisis.

The development of eight new affordable homes in St Ann's Chapel was officially opened yesterday (23 November), giving some of the prospective tenants the opportunity to view the homes.

Kathy Hutchings and her daughter Lily both work at a café within the local community. They have been commuting from Cornwall to get to work for the past two years at great expense. 

Kathy and Lily Hutchings - credit South Hams District Council 

Kathy said: “A huge thank you to South Hams District Council for this opportunity to have a home at Holywell Meadow. This would be life changing for us in many ways. We are delighted to see the new homes – we love them!”

The properties include two- and three-bedroom homes and bungalows built to ‘Lifetime Home’ standards. They have been carefully designed to be accessible and adaptable, so that residents can stay in their homes for as long as possible.  

The homes also benefit from state-of-the-art energy saving technology. The highly insulated, triple-glazed units, with underfloor heating and ventilation systems, will be energy efficient homes, helping tenants save money on their energy bills. 

Each home also offers two parking spaces, an electric charging point and access to green spaces for the whole community to enjoy. 
 
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader at South Hams District Council, said: “Good news that we are providing these homes to a local community. These environmentally friendly homes also support our wider ambitions in addressing climate change.

"We hope to take forward some of the valuable lessons learned from this project, which like all new developments, experience challenges along the way.  With the right to buy legislation creating barriers, we will also continue to challenge government and try and find solutions to get around it. 

“Providing more housing for local people is one of our biggest priorities. We hope to bring forward more housing projects to support our ambitions. Thank you to all involved.”

The launch event - credit South Hams District Council 

Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Exec Member for Housing at South Hams District Council, said: “Many people are struggling to find affordable places to live, particularly in coastal areas where we have a higher holiday accommodation market. 

“We want to and must deliver more affordable high-quality housing – this development is just one of the many examples of the work we are doing to support our residents who are struggling to find a place they can call home.”

Cllr Bernard Taylor, Ward Member for Charterlands said: “There has been a real need for this development here in St Anns and greatly welcomed by the community.  We are delighted to see local people with strong connections to the area benefit from these fantastic new homes.”

Main image: L-R: Andy Bates - Chief Executive, SHDC - Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader SHDC, Cllr Denise O'Callaghan, Exec Lead for Housing, SHDC, Cllr Bernard Taylor, Ward Member for Chartlerlands - credit South Hams District Council