WORK has started on eight new properties on a site in Widdecombe in the Moor.

The construction of the houses is to address the lack of affordable housing in the area, instituted by Teignbridge District Council, Widecombe Parish Council, Dartmoor National Park and non-profit regional housing provider Teign Housing.

The latest housing needs survey in Widecombe showed that residents who had been raised or had jobs in the village were struggling to remain due to the cost of the average home.

The new development – made possible thanks to a £95,000 contribution from Teignbridge District Council, a £560,000 Homes England grant and Teign Housing funding – will see eight properties completed before the close of 2023. The properties will be a mix of one-bedroom maisonette flats, and two-two-bedroom and four-three-bedroom houses.

The homes have a special allocation criteria, meaning those who can demonstrate a strong local connection to the area will be given priority. They will be available for social rent.

Representatives from Teign Housing, local councillors and other partners came together to mark the official start on site.

Jo Reece, chief executive at Teign Housing, said: ‘We are delighted this scheme has reached such a key milestone and that soon we’ll be able to help eight households afford to live in a quality, new home in an area they would otherwise be unable to afford.

‘Creating community is very important to us, and these homes will allow people to remain near friends, schools, family and work despite high property prices.

‘The scheme has involved extensive consultation and had a favourable response from local residents. Many thanks to our partners for their funding and support to make such an important development happen.’

Teignbridge Executive Member for Housing, Cllr Martin Wrigley said: ‘This is an important, much-needed development of social rented homes in Widecombe. I’m delighted that Teign Housing, the Parish Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Teignbridge have worked so closely together to make this happen.

‘I would like to thank everyone for their effort and I look forward to eight sets of keys being handed over to local people for their new homes.’

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Development Management Committee approved the application in December 2020.

Philip Sanders, Committee Chair of the project, said: ‘The delivery of small developments of affordable housing is a lifeline for Dartmoor villages like Widecombe, enabling families, younger people, and older people to have the opportunity to live in their own community.

‘This type of development only takes place because of strong partnership working. These affordable homes for local people will be an important asset for the community of Widecombe now, and long into the future.’