Dulverton: 18 homes for affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership
Charlie (20) and Edward (21), now in their own affordable rent home, in Barnes Close, Mead
Previous photo: Woofenden Construction, Aerial of Barnes Close
LiveWest Housing Association, Somerset West and Taunton Council & Exmoor National Park.
LiveWest worked closely alongside Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) to develop 18 homes in Dulverton Parish and support those applying for an allocation under the Park’s local occupancy tie policy. With a local occupancy tie, these homes must be lived in by someone with links to the area.
Steven Pugsley, Chair of Planning at Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “The generally higher cost of housing in national parks can put a squeeze on people being able to live near work and family. To help, our planning policies are geared to ensure new affordable housing is built where we know the need is greatest, and with an appropriate number ring-fenced for local people.”
Barnes Close Mead benefitted from grant-funding from Homes England as well as SWT Council. It’s a new scheme which will provide 18 affordable homes – six for shared ownership, six for social rent and six for affordable rent.
Cllr Fran Smith, Executive Member for Housing at SWT, said: “This superb development has enabled local people from Dulverton and surrounding villages to stay in the area in well-built and economical properties that will remain affordable into the future. I congratulate LiveWest and Exmoor National Park on this successful development.”
Sally Bryant, Senior Development Manager for LiveWest, said: “‘We are delighted to have worked with Woofenden Construction for the first time to deliver 18 high quality homes for shared ownership and rent. This development comprises one, two and three-bedroom homes to accommodate a range of family sizes. They have a contemporary looking exterior all situated within a scenic location, not far from Tarr Steps in Exmoor National Park.”
David Coombes, Operations Manager for Woofenden Construction, said: “As a family run business based in a small rural village, we understand the importance of providing both affordable and quality accommodation for families.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with LiveWest to deliver a project of this nature. Working in Exmoor National Park has been a tremendous pleasure and I hope the new residents appreciate the beautiful surrounds as much as we did.
A feature of this development is air source heating system in each home. ASHSs are generally cheaper to run, better for the environment and do not need any fuel storage.