SHDC is inviting people to join a scheme for affordable homes in South Brent

South Hams District Council is "inviting families to join a community led scheme in the South Brent area".

The Community Land Trust plans to provide "affordable, energy efficient homes for those with a local connection, who have the financial ability to buy a share in a property".

South Brent Community Land Trust (CLT) is working with South Hams District Council (SHDC) and Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) to bring forward a scheme of up to twelve affordable homes of two, three and four bedrooms to be offered to qualifying residents at 65 percent of open market value.

Homes have been designed with low running costs and will be laid out in an attractive, nature and family friendly setting. The site plans include a natural play area, small orchard and wild meadow with recreation space.

Families with a local connection to South Brent or the local Dartmoor parishes of Dean Prior, Rattery, Ugborough and Dartmoor Forest by way of either residency or previous residency, family and/or upbringing or current employment and who do not already own a house, may be eligible for one of the affordable homes.

Applicants will need a deposit and mortgage to support the part-buy share of the home, with the part-rent element set at affordable rates.

“We want our homes to be the best possible and our local SHDC councillors, also involved in the scheme, are very keen that these will be quality homes and efficient to live in and economic to run,” says Tim McGill, one of South Brent Community Land Trust Trustees.

“There have been many challenges over the years, and we expect the present financial turmoil will add to the challenges ahead of us, but we press on, we have learned to be emotionally economical with our expectations. The group is determined and steadfast to achieve its mission, completing it as close as possible to our original intention that people of the community don’t get priced out of their community.”

Jo Holland, Company Secretary of the South Brent Community Land Trust, added: “This is an opportunity for people local to South Brent struggling with long term housing security to have their own, energy efficient, quality home and built within attractive, green surrounds; designed to enhance the community and ecology. As it will remain affordable in perpetuity it will be a wonderful legacy for the community of South Brent for generations to come.”

Cllr Peter Smerdon, South Hams District Council’s Ward Member and Dartmoor National Park Member for South Brent, said: “I’ve been involved with the CLT right from their early days. Both myself and my fellow District Councillor, Guy Pannell, are fully supportive of this scheme and hope it will provide an interesting alternative route to providing affordable homes in South Brent.”

The CLT is looking to complete the list of housing allocations and there are only a few spaces left, although eligible applicants can also join the waiting list.

This housing scheme came about, with the CLT group forming in 2014, because some residents of South Brent and surroundings were finding it impossible to stay in the village where they live and work because of the increase in housing costs.

This scheme aims to help households who would like their own home but are stuck renting at high cost or are in insecure or unsuitable housing. Providing housing for people local to the village helps maintain a strong community and protects the long-term economic health of the parish.

Families who meet the local connection test and who join the Community Land Trust will be able to buy their homes on a shared ownership basis, with a minimum purchase stake of 25 percent and a minimum rental factor of 25 percent.

Anyone wanting to register their interest in one of the South Brent CLT affordable homes should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.