29.06.2016

HCA appoints LHC for Honiton ‘Starter Homes’ project

LHC has been appointed by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for a national pilot scheme which aims to build high-quality starter homes on a town centre site in Honiton. The scheme is one of the first under the HCA’s initiative to help meet the Government’s commitment to building 200,000 Starter Homes by 2020 – exclusively for first time buyers under the age of 40 – to be sold at a 20% discount.

Initial suggestions for the site being put forward by the HCA include around 30 two-bedroom starter homes with gardens and car parking.

The 1.6 acre site at West End, Honiton will become available later this year when agricultural machinery supplier Halse South West relocates and expands to purpose-built premises at Daisy Mount, just off the A30.

Concept designs and outline plans for the new starter homes development have been produced by LHC’s urban design team, led by Paul Osborne and Amy Walton. They show a mix of high quality houses and apartments which have been inspired by the local character of the town. Interior layouts show generous living space as well as private gardens with a new street through the site.

The proposals and designs for the new starter homes in Honiton went on show at a consultation event at the end of June and online until early July. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from neighbours and potential buyers.

View the consultation panels from the event here

Local people are being asked to put forward their suggestions for the scheme in advance of an outline planning application to East Devon District Council in the coming months..

Paul Britton, Area Manager for HCA, is looking forward to working with the local community to deliver new homes in Honiton. He said:

“Finding the right kind of home in the right place at the right price is a real challenge for first time buyers, so we are pleased to be able to put forward proposals for a scheme so close to Honiton’s vibrant High Street, offering an excellent community infrastructure and a short commute by rail or road into Exeter. It’s the ideal place to take the first step onto the property ladder.”