New modern homes for Paignton

Published by awalsh for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing

Work has begun on a scheme to replace unused post-war concrete properties in Paignton with 82 new energy efficient homes.

Leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group is developing the houses and bungalows, which will be made available for affordable rent, in Southview Road, Smallcombe Road and Langridge Road.

As part of the £9 million scheme, the old post-war concrete properties on the site will be demolished. This will make way for the new environmentally friendly houses, which will have air source heat pumps to keep the homes warm and will be built using timber frame construction.

Four of the new homes will also be specially adapted for people with disabilities.  

Susanne Lang, Housing Development Officer for Torbay Development Agency, helped to mark the start of work on the new homes by cutting the turf.

David Gooch, Sanctuary’s Director of Development for the South, said: "This is an exciting development for Torbay which will not only help to regenerate this part of Paignton, but will also provide much needed high quality and energy efficient homes to rent at affordable prices.

“The scheme will also create new jobs in the area with a number of training opportunities for the young people of Torbay." 

Cllr David Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Torbay and Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Spatial Planning, Housing, Waste and Energy said: “We welcome the start of this housing scheme and are working hard to help provide more affordable homes across the Bay. These new developments will go some way towards meeting those needs.”

In agreement with Sanctuary, contractor Kier Living will employ local people, use local suppliers and provide opportunities for apprentices and training on the scheme.

Kier Living’s John Titcombe said: “Kier Living is very keen to start work building these new, sustainable homes here in Paignton. This is a great opportunity for us to show what can be achieved in modern house building and how new technology can significantly reduce bills and carbon emissions. 

“By providing work placements and apprenticeships, both ourselves and through our supply chain, we will also be investing in the future - sharing the many construction skills used on site with a new generation.”  

The development has been funded by Sanctuary and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency. It is due to be completed by autumn 2013.