Aster Group to bring new homes to Plymstock

Plymstock is set to get 28 new homes after ethical housing developer, Aster Group secured planning approval for its Horn Lane development from Plymouth City Council.

Located at the former Downham School site, the two-storey scheme will include 14 properties for sale as well as two affordable rented flats for wheelchair users. In addition, 12 shared ownership homes will be built, to help young people and families get on the housing ladder.

Plymouth City Council’s approval follows a revised application from Aster Group that features new designs created as a result of community feedback.

The site has remained vacant since Downham School moved location in 2012. Aster Group’s development will be in-keeping with the surrounding two-storey buildings in the area and will also divert a local public pathway from Horn Lane so that local people can continue to access this popular route.

Construction is expected to start this year and homes are due to be made available for sale in summer 2017.

Martyn Blackman, Development Director at Aster Group, said: “The regeneration of the Downham School site will provide much needed new homes in one of Plymouth’s most desirable locations.

“The average deposit for a starter home in the area is almost £40,000 and we understand just how difficult it is for local young people and families to take that first step on the property ladder. Our shared ownership scheme is designed to give people the chance to do just that. Smaller deposits and lower purchase prices, due to our part-buy, part-rent shared ownership scheme, means that home ownership really is achievable.    

“We’ve taken on board the feedback we received from local residents about the design of the development and have revised our plans as a result of this broader community engagement. Our Horn Lane development will be made up of modern, high-quality homes that mirror the current look and feel of the area.”

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport and Planning, said: “This development supports our commitments both to ensuring more homes are built in Plymouth, and to making better use of brownfield sites in the city.”