Health worker gets dream home after years of waiting list

A new housing development completed in Plympton offers affordable homes and ‘downsizing’ options. The homes were funded by Homes England funding and a recycled grant from Westward.

New tenant Joanne Woodhouse, a healthcare assistant at a local GP surgery, has moved into one of the new properties and said she had been waiting three years for a home. She said: “It was all such a positive experience, but not before.

“I live in an apartment…but now that I’ve packed my apartment ready to move in next week I feel like it’s all going to continue and when I get this bungalow. I’m happy.”

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Two shared ownership and three affordable rental properties are now ready for their tenants and co-owners in St Peter’s Close, Plympton.

Two two-bed bungalows for shared ownership and three one-bed bungalows for social rent are adaptable and accessible, while the large single-bed bungalow is fully wheelchair accessible.

Homes now also offer the opportunity to downsize for those who need less bedroom space. This supports Plymouth City Council’s housing strategy, Plan for Housing.

The land was owned by Plymouth City Council and sold to Westward at a discount for redevelopment to include accessible housing as a priority.

All homes were built by local firm and first time partners for Westward, Classic Builders. Classic is also working with Westward on a separate Plymouth site in Moses Close.

All properties also have solar panels, making homes more cost-effective to live in and supporting carbon net zero targets. Each bungalow has an electric vehicle charging station.

Barbara Shaw, chief executive of Westward, said: “I am delighted to be able to bring these new homes to Plymouth for those who need them to suit their range of needs.

“We are committed to making sure more people in our region have a place to call home. We also like to use regeneration sites like this opportunity. By working with local company Classic Builders, we are not only providing affordable housing, but jobs in the city. Also supports.

Cllr Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, co-operative development and communities, said: “These wonderful new homes are a wonderful addition to the town and I would like to thank Westward and Classic Builders for their hard work. The success of such projects is further proof of the benefits of partnerships.

“The benefit of housing like this is two-fold. Not only does it provide affordable housing, which allows people to experience a better quality of life, but it also allows those who need it to have access to other, sometimes larger, housing.”

The social rented homes were offered through Devon Home Choice and are now reserved. Both shared ownership homes in St Peter’s Close are now close to completing their sales.