Ilfracombe to get 16 brand new social rent homes on former nursery site

Work began last month on 16 genuinely affordable new homes in Ilfracombe.

The social rent properties are being constructed at the former Bicclescombe Nursery site and will be prioritised for those who live in the area.

It is the result of a project between Ilfracombe Community Land Trust (ICLT), formed by residents and housing association Aster Group, with close support from North Devon Council, which donated the land for free.

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Aster has said all 16 new homes will all be available for social rent, offering affordable housing at prices that are significantly lower than private rentals.

The development will see eight two‑bedroom houses, two three‑bed houses and six one‑bed maisonette‑style flats.

Contractor Poltair Construction started work in March and the homes are scheduled for completion by late spring 2027.

Community land trusts are set up and run by people in local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets. Ilfracombe CLT was formed with a purpose to create affordable, secure homes for local people to rent with confidence.

Mark Read from ICLT, said: “As we move closer to bringing this project to fruition, we want to thank North Devon Council for their cooperation and support.

“The housing crisis has hit Ilfracombe hard with barely any quality affordable accommodation becoming available. We are excited to move forward with Aster Group and Poltair in this community-led project to provide 16 homes for Ilfracombe with a hope it is the start of a larger response to the desperate need with which we are all too familiar.”

North Devon Council provided funding to enable the formation of the ICLT, technical support from Middlemarch and worked through the feasibility of the scheme through the Community Housing Fund.

It also secured further funding through the Brownfield Land Release Fund, gifted the land at nil value for redevelopment and carried out enabling works.

Lead member for housing and homelessness Councillor Graham Bell said: “This is an incredible step forward for the Bicclescombe Nursery site. When I first visited this location, it was a sad building and a blot on the Ilfracombe landscape.

“This team have delivered something wonderful for Ilfracombe. The promise of safe, secure homes that enable local families to remain at the heart of their community. My sincere thanks to everyone who has worked hard to bring Bicclescombe nursery to fruition.”

In addition to funding from Homes England, the government’s housing agency, through its Affordable Homes Programme, the project also received £500,000 from the UK government, through the One Public Estate (OPE) programme.

Amanda Williams, Aster Group chief investment officer, said: “Partnering with Ilfracombe Community Land Trust and North Devon Council on this project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities, local authorities and housing providers work together.

“By transforming a long‑derelict site into high‑quality homes shaped by community input, we’re not only helping to meet Ilfracombe’s urgent housing need but also supporting a development that truly reflects local priorities.”

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