New rules lift cheaper homes hope

Houses will be for rent and shared ownership in Bonfire Hill

Tough new rules are being considered in south Devon to deal with a lack of affordable housing.

South Hams District Council wants to force at least half of all new developments to be cheaper homes.

The aim is to increase the availability of affordable homes in places like Salcombe where the average house price is now more than £500,000.

Many people in Devon, where average salaries are about £19,000, struggle to afford to buy their own homes.

If anyone wishes to build a house in the South Hams, they're going to have to contribute to our affordable housing Mike Salter

The council is hoping 600 new affordable homes will be built every year.

Councillor Mike Salter said: "We have a target of 50% on the Plymouth urban fringe, 55% in our towns and local centres and 60% in rural areas.

"If anyone wishes to build a house in the South Hams, they're going to have to contribute to our affordable housing."

The consultation period for the proposals ends on 7 March and the council hopes the policies can be adopted before the end of the year.

A development by housing association Tor Homes at Salcombe is paving the way for local people.

John Stewart is looking forward to having room for his daughter

It is currently building 33 new houses and apartments at Bonfire Hill at the entrance to Salcombe, 14 for rent and 19 for shared ownership.

The one, two, three and four bedroom homes scheme is funded from second homes council tax money.

One of the first new residents is John Stewart, who used to own a home but, after his marriage broke up, he was left renting rooms from friends and had nowhere for his daughter to come and stay.

Under the shared ownership scheme, he will own a proportion of the house, and rent the rest of it from a housing association.

He said: "In terms of having contact with Ellie, my six-year-old daughter, it'll be great.

"Because she'll have her own bedroom, she'll be able to stay over on the odd occasion, and I usually have her all day on Sundays as well. It's going to be absolutely brilliant for that."