An ambitious plan to deliver 500 high-quality, energy-efficient homes over the next five years has been described as “one of the most significant housing commitments ever made” by East Devon District Council.
The £100m Build and Buy Housing Investment and Delivery Plan, approved by the council’s Cabinet, is designed to tackle long-standing housing pressures across East Devon, where the average house price now exceeds £346,000 – more than 10 times the local average salary.
The plan proposes a dual approach to delivering more affordable homes:
- 250 homes built on council-owned land by regenerating existing estates and developing underused sites. Delivery methods will include traditional builds, Modern Methods of Construction and joint ventures with partner organisations.
- 250 homes acquired through Section 106 agreements, off-the-shelf purchases, collaborative deals with developers and housing providers.
Meeting diverse housing needs
The council’s housing register currently shows over 2,300 households in need of affordable housing, and demand continues to rise. This plan seeks to directly address those needs while also delivering temporary accommodation, supported housing and homes for older residents.
The programme will deliver a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes across the district, while housing tenures will focus on affordable rents, with some scope for shared ownership where it enables wider delivery.
A sustainable and community-focused programme
All homes will aim to be ‘net zero ready’, which supports the council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040. The homes will feature energy-efficiency measures and maximise the use of renewable energy.
Strong community engagement features in the plan, with local residents, councillors and partners involved at every stage. Each development will include tailored consultation to ensure transparency and alignment with local priorities.
Financing
The £100m investment will be funded through a mix of borrowing, government grants, developer contributions, capital receipts and Right to Buy receipts. Every scheme will be modelled to ensure it is self-financing through rental income.
Looking ahead
The first phase of acquisitions is expected to move quickly, with new homes potentially available as early as 2026, while larger-scale build projects will begin from 2027/28 onwards.
Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder Sustainable Homes and Communities, East Devon District Council, said: “This is one of the most significant housing commitments ever made by East Devon District Council. We’re not just building houses; we’re creating communities where people can feel proud to live. The plan marks a turning point in how we work with and support residents, especially as it has shaped by extensive community feedback from our Housing Strategy consultation. Safe, secure and affordable housing underpins a thriving community, and this programme reflects our shared ambition to provide the right homes, in the right places, with the right support.”
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