Aster Group partners with Ilfracombe CLT to deliver affordable homes for local residents

Contracts have now been signed and exchanged to deliver 16 new social rent homes in Ilfracombe, designed specifically for local residents. Award‑winning housing association Aster Group has partnered with Ilfracombe Community Land Trust (ICLT), a group formed by residents to create affordable, secure homes for their community. This partnership working closely with North Devon Council (NDC) aims to provide genuinely affordable housing and help address the town’s critical housing need.

Located on old Bicclescombe Nursery, which has been derelict since 1995, the 16 new homes will all be available for social rent, offering affordable housing at prices that are significantly lower than private rentals. A well‑balanced mix of homes will be built, with eight two‑bed houses, two three‑bed houses, and six one‑bed maisonette‑style flats catering to individuals, couples and families.

Picture credit: Woodward Smith Architects

Feedback from local residents has been incorporated into the designs resulting in a thoughtfully planned development that reflects the aspirations and requirements of the community. The design also prioritises sustainability and community well-being. In addition to housing, the development will also feature a bespoke bat house building, landscaping, and wildflower meadow areas highlighting the project’s commitment to biodiversity.

CLTs, which are a form of community-led housing, are set up and run by people within their local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets. Ilfracombe CLT was formed with a purpose to create affordable, secure homes for local people to rent with confidence.

Commenting on the impact the new homes will make to the local community, Mark Read from ICLT, said: “We are really pleased to have passed this significant milestone. As we move closer to bringing this project to fruition, we want to thank North Devon Council for their cooperation and support. The housing crisis has hit Ilfracombe hard with barely any quality affordable accommodation becoming available. We are excited to move forward with Aster Group and Poltair in this community-led project to provide 16 homes for Ilfracombe with a hope it is the start of a larger response to the desperate need with which we are all too familiar.”

Aster Group is the leading housing association provider of CLT partnerships. Commenting on this important milestone, Amanda Williams, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, said: “Partnering with Ilfracombe Community Land Trust and North Devon Council on this project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities, local authorities and housing providers work together. These 16 new social rent homes will offer local people the security, stability and genuinely affordable housing they deserve.

“By transforming a long‑derelict site into high‑quality homes shaped by community input, we’re not only helping to meet Ilfracombe’s urgent housing need but also supporting a development that truly reflects local priorities. We’re proud to play our part in creating a sustainable, community‑led neighbourhood that will benefit residents for generations to come.”

North Devon Council provided the funding to enable the formation of the ICLT, have provided technical support from Middlemarch and worked through the feasibility of the scheme through the Community Housing Fund. NDC also worked hard to secure further funding through the Brownfield Land Release Fund, gifted the land at nil value for redevelopment and carried out enabling works that now make way for this exciting community-led housing scheme.

Lead Councillor for Housing and Homelessness, Graham Bell, said: “This is an incredible step forward for the Bicclescombe Nursery site. When I first visited this location, it was a sad building and a blot on the Ilfracombe landscape. Now, thanks to the incredible vision and hard work of Ilfracombe Community Land Trust, North Devon officers, and Aster, this site can be transformed into 16 new homes for Ilfracombe families.

“This team of people have delivered something wonderful for Ilfracombe. The promise of safe, secure homes that enable local families to remain at the heart of their community. My sincere thanks to everyone who has worked hard to bring Bicclescombe nursery to fruition.”

In addition to funding from Homes England, the government’s housing agency, through its Affordable Homes Programme, the project also received £500,000 from the UK government, through the One Public Estate (OPE) programme. This supported upfront works to enable new homes to come forward. Paul Britton, South West Lead at One Public Estate, said: “Unlocking council land and delivering new homes is crucial across the country. What makes this development so special is that it has been spearheaded by the community, who have worked tirelessly in partnership with the council and key delivery partners. New affordable homes will help meet local demand and continue the planned improvements in the town.”

Appointed contractor Poltair Construction started on site in March 2026. Andy Ley, Managing Director, said: “We’re incredibly excited to get started on building this project, which will deliver much needed affordable homes for the town. It’s a privilege for Poltair Construction to help create high quality homes that will genuinely benefit the community."

The homes are forecast for completion by the end of spring 2027.

Individuals who would like to join and become a member of the Ilfracombe CLT please head to: www.ilfracombeclt.org.uk. People seeking affordable housing must register with Devon Home Choice; only those registered will be considered for the scheme.