New affordable homes in two Bideford sites

New affordable homes in Bideford will support local employment, the economy and housing needs.Â

Regional affordable housing provider, Westward Housing, has provided 51 affordable new homes for local people on two sites in Bideford, 34 for rental and 17 for shared ownership.Â

At Newton Road, Westward provided 31 homes, comprising of 24 apartments with a fifty-fifty mix of one and two bed capacity and seven town houses for families. This was a landmark scheme for the first ‘affordable rent’ tenure properties in Torridge for larger town houses and apartments; in addition, five shared ownership houses were also provided.Â

These homes were snapped up, with all shared ownership properties sold the day after Pearce Construction handed the site over - a record for Westward sales team as well as demonstrating the high need for affordable housing in Torridge.Â

The site which was formerly a location for Cornish unit flats had poor heating and insulation creating higher costs for residents. They were re-developed with local firm, Pearce and have easy access to the town centre and park.Â

Westward chief executive, Barbara Shaw, said: “Firstly I am delighted that we’ve provided these affordable homes, thanks to great partnership working with the local developers and funding from Homes England and Torridge District Council.Â

“It is team work that has meant we were able to provide these beautiful homes in the area in such challenging circumstances.â€�Â

“I want to say particular thanks to our existing residents at Marlborough Court and Newton Road for being so understanding during the building work.â€�Â

The site was built during the covid restrictions and lockdowns so local people working on the site had to cope with social distancing and materials shortages. Tenants and owners also had to follow strict covid guidance whilst moving in.Â

Councillor Pete Watson, Lead Member for Planning and Development, said: “It’s great to see this team effort come to fruition and the emphasis that’s been placed on providing much needed but affordable larger properties for local families. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project and to Westward’s development manager, Sam Novak, in particular.â€�Â

Westward development manager, Samantha Novak, said: “It’s been really great to work alongside Pearce Construction, Randall Simmonds, RGP and True consultants; I couldn’t have wished to work with anyone better in a pandemic!Â

“This brings much-needed new affordable homes to the area. I’d especially like to say that this was the final project by assistant site manager Phil before his retirement and his A group of people posing for a photo in front of a house work was outstanding.â€�Â

On the second site in Bideford, at Pridham Place off Stucley Road, Westward has provided 20 high quality new affordable homes in partnership with new local developer NG Properties SW. The development includes 12 homes for shared ownership and eight for social rent.Â

The majority of the shared ownership properties were snapped up in the first ten days, with most viewings being conducted virtually due to covid guidance.Â

The housing site was once a prisoner-of-war camp. Pridham Place is named after one of the former owners of the land, Dr T. L. Pridham, well-known in the mid-1800s for his kindness towards the less fortunate.Â

Since then, the site has been used for the manufacturing of bespoke timber bridges and wooden lodges and, in later years, as storage for a local carpet and furniture retail business.