The new community of Cranbrook in East Devon will pass another milestone in September when the first affordable homes for local people become available.

Cranbrook near Exeter will be developed in several phases and eventually provide thousands of new homes. The first phase will consist of 1,120 dwellings, as well as a primary school, a doctor’s surgery and retail centre. In the first phase of construction, 328 new homes will be provided for affordable housing. These homes, which will benefit from £15.6m in investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), will be allocated equally between Sovereign Housing Association and Devon and Cornwall Housing group (DCH).


Sovereign will take possession of its first 24 homes in September. The first homes for DCH will be delivered in early 2013. A new primary school will also be ready for September.

Phil Stephens, Sovereign’s Development and Commercial Director, said: "It's really exciting that these new homes will soon start to be occupied. They meet the very real need for high-quality affordable housing in this area and will be welcomed by local people on the housing register in East Devon and Exeter."

Two hundred and eight of the affordable homes in the first phase will be for social rent, while 120 will be for affordable home ownership. These shared ownership properties will provide a fantastic opportunity for some local people who would otherwise not be able to buy their own property.

(CD/GK)