East Devon planning 500 new social homes

A bold £100 million plan to build or buy 500 new social housing properties has been unveiled by East Devon District Council.

The "aspirational" proposal aims to boost the district’s current stock of 4,100 homes to more than 4,600—far surpassing neighbouring councils like Mid Devon, which has around 3,000.

While no final decision has been made, the board endorsed progressing the plan to cabinet and full council. Assistant director Liam Reading said the idea was to explore what’s viable: “It is an aspirational target… but it is important to be ambitious.”

Around £60 million may be borrowed, with the rest potentially funded through government grants. Rent from the new homes would help cover loan repayments.

Cabinet member Cllr Dan Ledger called the scheme a major step forward in providing secure, energy-efficient homes. Cllr Chris Burhop praised the ambition, saying, “It will be fantastic for the community of East Devon.”

Housing director Catrin Stark added the plan could help regenerate existing communities, not just focus on new developments like Cranbrook. Most of the homes would be offered at social rent and would be protected from Right to Buy for at least 10 years.