South Hams Council has given Baker Estates the green light to build a further 123 new homes at its Little Cotton Farm development. This new phase – phase two – will include 27 desperately needed affordable units for residents of Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming.

South Hams Council and Devon Home Choice hosted a drop-in event this week to help local families with a connection to the area – who have priority over the units - to apply for the affordable properties.

A mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes will be built during this next phase of the development providing a variety of house types including apartments, coach houses, terrace, semi-detached and detached properties.

The housebuilder is waiting on a number of additional applications adding up to a total of 414 new homes which will include 83 affordable homes - the first significant number of affordable homes in the area for decades. In addition, a further 33 homes are being built for shared ownership through Legal and General on the site.

Phase two of the development at Little Cotton Farm will start soon. News that South Hams Council has given the go-ahead for building works has been gratefully received by the developers, Baker Estates.

Graham Hutton, development director at Baker Estates, said: “We’re now looking forward to getting underway on the next phase of this major scheme at Little Cotton Farm in Dartmouth which will deliver quality new homes for local people over many years as well as a large number of affordable homes.

“We’ve been positively surprised by the community support for the development, which given the size and scale of the development, is testimony to the positive engagement with the local community, parish and town council, planning and statutory stakeholders.”

Baker Estates is calling on first time buyers and downsizers to register their interest in the properties. The housebuilder is holding a preview launch event today, February 5, from 10am to 5pm, at its Sales and Marketing Suite at Little Cotton Farm. Customers will be able to take a look at floor plans and talk to the sales consultant about the buying process. Baker Estates is urging customers to book an appointment for the event, as it’ll be busy and walk ins won’t be possible due to strict Covid restrictions.

The Government’s Help to Buy initiative will be offered on all apartments which is aimed to help first time buyers secure a foot on the property ladder.

Annie Williams, head of sales at Baker Estates, said: “This is very exciting news for local people in Dartmouth who’ve expressed an interest in buying a well-appointed apartment in the town. We’re anticipating a good amount of interest from first time buyers and downsizers and ask potential buyers to register their interest to avoid disappointment.”

Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming residents, and those with a local connection, attended an information drop-in event this week, February 2, to find out how to rent or part buy new homes at Little Cotton Farm. Households with a local connection with the town of Dartmouth or the parish of Stoke Fleming have priority over the rented and affordable properties.

Councillors from Dartmouth and South Hams Councils have been visiting Little Cotton Farm to view the homes which the housebuilder will shortly be handing over to Legal and General Affordable Homes.

Development Director Graham Hutton, Head of Development Mark Edwards and Site Manager Glen Hilton, from Baker Estates, gave Cllr Rosemary Rowe, Cllr Jackie Horton, Cllr Hilary Bastone, and Cllr Helen Reeve guided tours of the development.

Graham Hutton said: “It was a great opportunity to show the councillors around the site and particularly the affordable homes. It was pleasing to receive some very positive feedback. Our development at Little Cotton Farm is really taking shape. Ten of the homes are now occupied and we really hope that the mix of homes will give many local people the chance to live in the area where they grew up.”

Cllr Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council and Lead Member for Housing, said: “These are all shared ownership properties. Only a relatively small deposit is required to own 30 per cent of the property and rent the rest, with realistic prospects of staircasing up over time to increase the ownership share. Many will be surprised by the modest income levels required to achieve this. It makes home-owning a dream many thought unobtainable in the South Hams.”

Cllr Rosemary Rowe, South Hams District Council Ward Member for Dartmouth and East Dart, said: “It’s great to take a look around these new homes and know that local families will soon be very happy here. There’s a huge demand for homes in Dartmouth that local people can realistically afford, and I’m pleased that this scheme will help more people to stay living close to their friends, family and support networks.”

Cllr Helen Reeve, South Hams District Council Ward Member for Blackawton and Stoke Fleming, added: “The development has a really nice feel, providing homes with lots on their doorstep. The homes we visited were well fitted with easy parking and had both bin and bike shelters at hand. Although close to the road, you didn’t hear it as the homes are well insulated. Once inside, they really are your little haven.”

Graham Hutton added: “The development also offers 6.75 acres of land set aside for employment uses. The first parcel of this will be a care home which already has planning permission. A significant number of jobs will be created over the life of the development which will be really positive for the local community.”