News and media

Westward, the largest housing association in Torridge, is delighted to have exchanged contracts on the first phase of a new development with Bloor Homes which will provide 25 high quality affordable homes for the local community.

The Westward element of the larger estate at Winsford Park, off Abbotsham Road, will provide 13 homes for social rent and 12 for shared ownership.

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.

Photo caption (L to R):  Tom Beazley - Bloor architectural technician), Luke Smyth - Gates Consultants employer’s agent, Jon Mutter – Westward assistant director of development; Jason Lockyer - Bloor site manager, Karen Hulbert – Westward development manager, Edd Waterman - Bloor contracts manager and Alex Bunney - Gates Consultants employer’s agent.

The Westward rental homes are for local people in the first instance, so these new homes play a vital role in increasing availability of secure, quality accommodation for those who most need it.

Westward chief executive, Stephen Lodge, said, “ Winsford Park represents significant development in the local community and I am proud that 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 attractive 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. 

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.

Current housing need shows more than 1,300 people on the primary area housing waiting list in April 2025. This would then expand to Northam as the secondary parish with more than 100 on the housing waiting list, and finally to the county, in the event that local residents do not fill the homes. Allocation of rented housing is through Devon Home Choice. 

Solar photovoltaic panels on all properties will mean homes have a high energy efficiency status of EPC B rating, this helps to ensure warm and more affordable homes to heat for our customers. They support Westward’s commitment to environmental sustainability. All houses will benefit from private gardens with sheds.

It’s a great location with just one mile’s easy access to Bideford town centre on a former greenfield site.

Work started on site in August 2025 and our first five homes are already watertight and due for handover just before Christmas.