New affordable homes in Chawleigh given the green light

A new development of affordable homes, spearheaded by the local community in Chawleigh and award-winning housing association Aster Group, has taken a step closer to becoming a reality following planning approval granted by Mid Devon District Council.

Chawleigh Community Land Trust (CLT) and Aster have partnered to deliver ten new homes which will be offered for social rent. The six two-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom houses and two one-bedroom flats will be located west of School Close and available to local residents or those with a strong connection to the village.

Commenting on the planning permission Amanda Williams, Aster Group chief investment officer, said: “As the leading housing association provider of CLT partnerships we are delighted to be working with Chawleigh CLT to bring these much needed affordable homes to the village. These new homes are vital to enable individuals and families to remain living in their beloved community alongside friends and family.”

With high praise for all the many parties involved in getting the project to this stage David Flavin, chair of Chawleigh CLT, said: “Numerous hurdles have been overcome and with tremendous support from Aster, all at Homes England, our brilliant solicitor Rebecca Smyth at Excellolaw, our architect Ben Callister and our mentor Steve Watson, we are hoping to have some bricks laid by January 2023.

“There were times when I thought the dream of providing affordable houses to people with a close link to our village would not be achieved, but at last the moment has arrived. Everyone at Chawleigh CLT looks forward to welcoming our first residents.”

Commenting on behalf of Mid Devon District Council Arron Beecham, principal housing enabling and forward planning officer, said: “We’re delighted to have supported Chawleigh CLT and Aster on this important project. The development of ten affordable homes in Chawleigh will help diversify the local housing market and provide a range of genuinely affordable homes to those in need in the local area.

“We look forward to continued close working with Aster and Chawleigh CLT as construction commences. This project is a testament to the power of community-led housing initiatives and effective partnership working to deliver high quality outcomes for local families.”

Amanda Williams concludes: “We’re celebrating Rural Housing Week, 4-11 July, which is a great opportunity to put CLT’s centre stage. House prices and monthly rents can be beyond the reach of many so we are inviting interested community individuals and groups to get in contact to find out if a CLT could help deliver affordable housing in their areas.”

Rural Housing Week is an annual campaign to showcase the work housing associations do in rural communities. The theme for the 2022 campaign is levelling up rural communities.

The new affordable homes in Chawleigh are being built with some funding from Mid Devon District Council and the government’s housing and regeneration agency Homes England, through the Affordable Homes Programme.

For further information on Aster Group visit www.aster.co.uk.