A community dream comes to life as work starts on 21 new affordable homes in Woolacombe

Construction is now underway on an exciting development in Woolacombe that will provide 21 new social rent homes to the village, offering affordable housing at prices that are significantly lower than private rentals. The new home project has been proudly driven by the local community through the Mortehoe and Woolacombe Community Land Trust (CLT), in partnership with award‑winning housing association Aster Group.

The mix of house types and sizes, including one-bedroom maisonettes, and two and three-bedroom houses, have been designed to reflect what local people have said they need. The development is on track to be complete by late summer 2027 and will deliver thoughtfully designed and sustainable homes that are energy efficient, to a minimum of EPC B. The development will provide new open spaces, trees and plants which will contribute towards improving wildlife habitats and increasing biodiversity.

Once the homes are built, the CLT will keep ownership of the land and properties with Aster managing and maintaining the homes. They will remain as social rent indefinitely and will prioritise lettings to people and families with a local connection to the parish.

The work of CLTs such as Mortehoe and Woolacombe is vital to creating and supplying more affordable housing across North Devon. Steve Woodman, Chair of Mortehoe and Woolacombe CLT, said: “Mortehoe and Woolacombe Community Land Trust is very pleased with the progress of our project for 21 affordable social rent local connection homes. We thank all partners who have helped in bringing our project to fruition and eagerly await the next steps.”

Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Aster Group, said: “Community Land Trust developments like this one show what’s possible when local ambition is matched with strong partnership. By placing the needs of local people at the heart of every decision, the CLT model ensures these homes will remain genuinely affordable, not just today, but for generations to come.

“We’re proud to be working alongside Mortehoe and Woolacombe CLT to bring these high‑quality, energy‑efficient homes to life. This development will provide long‑term security for local households and strengthen the future of the community. It’s exactly the kind of sustainable, community‑driven project we’re committed to delivering.”

Significant funding for the project has come from Homes England, the government’s housing agency, through its Affordable Housing Programme. North Devon Council has also played a pivotal role in making the project a reality, providing essential funding to make these homes a reality. The Council's Lead Member for Housing, Councillor Graham Bell, said: “Thanks to the dedication of our officers along with groups including Aster I am so proud of how North Devon is leading the way in supporting Community Land Trusts. Northern Devon’s greatest heritage is in our multigenerational families. Whether the family has generations in the churchyard or is a first-generation family wanting to become part of our future legacy; CLTs provide an affordable and secure opportunity to remain close to the communities they grew up with. Working together with Aster and other partners, we are keeping North Devon’s villages vibrant, unique, and lived-in, so that our children and their grandchildren can keep calling wonderful places like Woolacombe their home.”

The Council has a successful programme of community-led housing in areas such as Woolacombe, which struggle with land supply for affordable housing due to their topography, protected landscape or the high numbers of second homes and holiday lets. All are supported by Middlemarch Community Led Housing CIC through funding from North Devon Council.

Working with CLTs is part of the Council's objective to tackle the housing crisis in the district through a number of measures, including looking at how to resource the delivery of affordable housing via community-led housing models, both financially and in terms of staffing.

Devon-based Clayewater Homes has been appointed as the building contractor.

Individuals who would like to join and become a member of the Mortehoe and Woolacombe CLT can email mwclt@outlook.com or contact their Facebook page.

People seeking affordable housing must register with Devon Home Choice; only those registered will be considered for the scheme.