Those looking at commercial development opportunities in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe town centres can now get free pre-application advice before they submit a planning bid. Credit: NDC
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17 Sept 2025
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17 Sept 2025
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Handing over the first phase of development at the Winsford Park estate in Bideford. Credit: Westward Housing
Contracts have been exchanged on the first phase of a new development with Bloor Homes in Bideford which will include 25 affordable homes.
The properties on the Winsford Park estate a mile from the town centre will be taken on by housing association Westward and the rental homes are for local people in the first instance.
This is the first phase in a much larger scheme by Bloor Homes of 750 homes including 225 affordable homes which will develop over the five or so years ahead.
READ NEXT: New housing development at Winkleigh will include affordable homes
The shared ownership homes provide a mix of two and three-bed family houses. Whilst the homes for rent offer one, two, three and four bed accommodation in maisonettes (flats) and houses designed to support a variety of household needs.
Westward chief executive, Stephen Lodge, said: “Winsford Park represents significant development in the local community and I am proud Westward has been able to provide homes in an area where local people can wait decades for an affordable home.
“We are ambitious in our aim to help address the huge need for affordable housing across Torridge. We’re grateful to partners at Bloor Homes, Torridge District Council and all those involved in bringing these homes into being.”
For shared owners, the new model lease will apply with a lengthy repair liability to Westward Housing. In addition, those who purchase shared ownership homes will benefit from the ability to ‘staircase’ to fully owning their home.
Assigning the rented housing is through Devon Home Choice. Current housing need shows more than 1,300 people on the primary area housing waiting list as of April 2025. This would then expand to Northam as the secondary parish with more than 100 on the waiting list, and finally to the county, in the event that local people do not fill the homes.
Work started on site in August and the first five homes are already watertight and due for handover just before Christmas.
READ NEXT: Plans for 40 new homes for locals on outskirts of South Molton
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