Plans for new council housing projects in Exeter welcomed

Creating quality new council housing continues to be a key priority for Exeter, the city’s Lead Councillor for Housing said.

Cllr Marina Asvachin welcomed plans for the next phase of the Vaughan Road/Whipton Gardens scheme. 

She also welcomed major improvements to council-owned properties in St Thomas, with work about to get underway. 

With the successful completion of the first phase of 35 homes and a communal room for the over 60’s at Vaughan Road, the council is now finalising the arrangements for the next phase. 

The second phase of the scheme will deliver another 16 homes for people in housing need in Exeter. 

The final phase, once started, will deliver another 40 new homes, including eight fully wheelchair accessible one-bedroom apartments, for those in need of this specialist accommodation. 

Eventually, the three phases of the development will provide 91 new homes, with high-quality landscaping for the benefit of all residents. 

Cllr Asvachin said: “I recently met the residents moving into the first phase of this fantastic development, and it was obvious how much this means to them. 

“It is great news that the next phase is due to start shortly. These are top quality, highly energy-efficient homes which are economical to run and great to live in. 

“Creating new council housing is so important for Exeter, and I am pleased that the council is committed to delivering pioneering developments like this one.” 

The project has received funding by HM Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). 

Major improvements are also being carried out to council properties in St Thomas. 

The Laings project refers to the demolition and rebuilding of several non-traditional construction Laings Easi-form constructed houses that are still in the council’s ownership. 

The homes are located in Merrivale Road, Newman Road, Oak Road, Myrtle Road and Bowhay Lane. These homes are being demolished and rebuilt on a slightly larger footprint in a modern layout and will be fit for purpose for the foreseeable future. 

The final phase of the project is due to commence soon and will finish off the remaining seven properties in Newman Road and Merrivale Road. It will add to the 12 properties that have already been completed. 

The project has suffered delays over recent years, but last year the council approved the budget required to complete the remaining properties. 

Sidmouth-based Skinner Construction has been appointed to undertake the work following a procurement process to find a main contractor which was completed in January. 

The council has worked with Skinner Construction on a previous project and were impressed by the standard of work undertaken. 

The works are due to start in March, and completion of the seven houses is expected at the end of 2026. 

The council has updated local residents, and the contractor will update on activities and progress until the project is completed. 

Cllr Asvachin said: “This project has been a long time coming, but it is great news that seven new family homes will be added back into the overall council housing stock, which can be let to families in need for decades to come. 

“As well as creating new homes we are continuing our programme of retrofitting our existing stock so that homes cost less to run, reduce carbon emissions and are warm and comfortable for our tenants.”