Work underway on first affordable housing in Ilfracombe for 17 years

Work has begun in Ilfracombe to deliver the first new affordable homes in the town since 2006. 

Elan Homes began building the homes on land off The Shields on behalf of North Devon Homes earlier this year.

The 11 new homes will be handed over to the community landlord in the new year with the first being ready for occupancy from February 2024.

Paul Scovell, North Devon Homes development manager, said: “We are delighted to be delivering these much needed, new affordable homes in Ilfracombe.

“The development will deliver eight social rented homes for North Devon Homes customers along with three shared ownership properties, which offer a low-cost home opportunity for people in the community. This is a great benefit for the local area.

“Work is already underway on the site, helping regenerate an area that has been derelict for a long time. We are delighted to be working alongside Elan Homes in a new working partnership to create these quality properties and it’s great to see the progress already made on the site.

“The first unit is due to be completed in February next year with full completion by August. The new homes will be available via Devon Home Choice.”

The affordable housing forms part of the wider Seascape development, a 51-home scheme taken on by Elan last year after previous attempts to develop the land stalled.

David Summers, regional manager director for Elan Homes, said: “Addressing the housing shortage requires a mix of housing options, including social rented homes, shared ownership properties and homes for private sale.

“While our Seascape development is relatively small in scale, it caters for a variety of local needs. We’re proud to be working with North Devon Homes to provide affordable housing in Ilfracombe. “

Seascape will eventually contain a selection of two, three and four-bedroom bungalows and homes, including some with coastal views.