The biggest affordable home development in Ashburton for 23 years has been completed and all the residents have moved into their new homes.

Our partnership work with LiveWest, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Ashburton Town Council and local developer, Coyde Construction, has enabled the development of scheme for 39 affordable homes in the town. 

Work started to develop the four-acre site in March 2021 and included a range of homes, from one to four-bedroom properties, including a two-bedroom bungalow which has been specifically built for a wheelchair user. The homes are a mix of 25 social rent and 14 shared ownership properties. 

Newly-elected Teignbridge Council Leader Martin Wrigley said:  “It is good news that all these new homes have been completed and occupied by local families who can now stay in Ashburton. 

"It is a great example of the benefits that come from different organisations working together with a local developer to build quality homes that local people need.”

Local residents are being asked for their views about plans to re-develop the Sherborne House car park site on Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot. A development of approximately 24 truly affordable homes is proposed, which are likely to be evenly split between 1 and 2 bed apartments. These will be constructed to the highest quality and environmental standards to greatly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions and tackle predicted climate change whilst creating attractive healthy homes.

Residents are being asked for their views on the site and our initial development principles. Following feedback, detailed plans will be drawn up and a planning application submitted in late 2023. A second public event will follow prior to submission in Autumn 2023

This week our Planning Team was delighted to host a visit by Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) President Sue Bridge. 

Sue was shown the Elm Park site under construction by Cavanna to learn how the Council and developers have worked together to create a dementia friendly scheme which includes an open space specifically co-designed with experts in the syndrome. A visit to the Ridge Top Park near Exminster followed, and Sue was impressed by how much had been achieved with the park in such a short time and saw the Park as a real multifunctional asset for the community that exists and is in the process of being created.

The day was rounded off with a stop at the new Matford Rail Station which was part-funded by Teignbridge and will provide a much needed alternative means of travel, in particular for Teignbridge residents who work in Marsh Barton.

Heat health alert issued

The yellow alert was issued yesterday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office has been escalated to an amber alert in five regions including the South West.

Met Office forecasts indicate there is a high likelihood that forecasted temperatures will be reached rapidly over the weekend, while we are also likely to see high overnight temperatures. For tips on how to beat the heat see the UKSWHA website. 

The Met Office has also issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in a number of regions from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday

Established by Marmalade Trust, a UK based Charity, Loneliness Awareness Week (Monday 12 - Friday 18 June) is dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and getting people talking about it. 

Loneliness is a natural human emotion that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. You can show your support for #LonelinessAwarenessWeek and help tackle loneliness by reaching out to people in your community. 

Whether it’s a morning walk listening to a favourite podcast or sparking a conversation with a regular barista, there are plenty of ways to help people feel less lonely.

Our connections are what make us human, feel happier and less lonely. One way to create new connections is through events and activities in the neighbourhood. From book clubs at the local library to dog walking groups and joining a local volunteering effort to chatty tables; there is something for everyone to get involved in! 

We’d love you to share your experiences, tips or information about activities on Nextdoor to help reduce loneliness and increase connection.  Research found that 85% of Nextdoor neighbours have felt lonely at some point in the last 12 months, and over 60% of neighbours would absolutely love to help a neighbour feeling lonely.