Affordable Plymouth homes benefit local people and the local economy
Delighted new tenant, Mr Philip Jory said, “To be honest with you they’re just ideal for what we want. The way I look at it this is our last move, we’re not going to move no more and the way I look at it is that we’ve got a one bedroom brand new bungalow. What more could we ask for? It’s brilliant. Absolutely fantastic!”
These desirable homes completed by local contractor Ryearch form the end of a long story to provide this affordable housing despite the challenges that the covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have brought.
Ryearch used a local supply chain, offering training to local apprentices and supporting local employment to a tune of 60 directly employed staff and engaging with a supply chain of hundreds thereby creating considerable social value. Westward has been working with them to resume construction after the previous contractor was unable to complete work.
Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, said: "I am so very pleased to see these bungalows complete and even more please to see people moving in.
"This project incorporates a lot of what's great about our Plan for Homes. It has seen strong partnership working create marvellous news homes and goes some way to address the shortfall of low-cost, accessible housing for Plymouth residents."
The five bungalows (three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom) are on an affordable rent tenure and applicants were shortlisted through Devon Home Choice. Guests at the opening were impressed with the standard of both types of home.
Westward’s chief executive, Barbara Shaw, said, “We are pleased to be collaborating with Plymouth City Council to increase the choices available for local people who are most in need on the housing register and would find a bungalow better suited to their particular circumstances.
This project has faced various challenges and we’d like to thank the new residents for their patience over the past year as we dealt with material and skilled personnel shortages due to lockdowns along with the challenge of losing the first contractor. It is wonderful to see these finished homes looking so outstanding and I’m so pleased to see the new tenants delight with their new homes.”
The new development benefitted from funding from Homes England, recycled and new grant funding. The delighted new tenants can move in from 29th October.
