Devon to be the first to receive newly designed homes

A leading housing association has secured planning approval to create over 60 new affordable homes in Devon that will be constructed with sustainable materials.

Sovereign Housing Association has reserved matters planning approval for 69 new homes to be built at Taverners Field on the edge of Exeter, Devon. It paves the way for the housing organisation to begin building its first homes using its range of new house types.

Timber frames are due to be used whilst constructing the properties, which are designed to improve insulation, and every home on the site will be equipped with its own air source heat pump and sustainable heating system.

Homes will also benefit from the installation of photovoltaic solar panels making them more affordable to run as energy prices continue to bite and helping to provide a pathway to meet net zero targets.

As well as helping the environment, Sovereign are aiming to exceed national spaces standards, incorporate increased storage and promote a lot of natural daylight to support the health and wellbeing of future customers.

The homes, which will be a mixture of one and two-bed maisonettes, bungalows and two hour-bed houses, will be the first to score ‘very good’ on Sovereign’s Homes and Place Standard.

36 out of the 69 properties will be available for social rent and the remaining 33 are set for shared ownership. The development includes a mix of green infrastructure and public open space, plus a play area for recreation.

Detailed planning consent was received at the end of last year, and with work now able to start, contractors are expected to be on the site soon. The site is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

Isabel Keppel, Planning Manager at Sovereign said: ‘Receiving Reserved Matters approval is hugely encouraging, as it means we’re one step closer to delivering the first homes to our new range of house types.

‘This new range of house types really showcases our commitment to put the customer at the heart of everything we do. It also shows how we strive to design high-quality homes which exceed standards and norms wherever possible.

‘Projects like this also highlight our ability to deliver affordable and sustainable homes, at a time of real need.’

Image: Raze Solar