Affordable housing development approved in Newton Abbot

The proposed redevelopment of the Sherborne House car park site in Newton Abbot has been formally approved today, at a Full Council meeting.

The project will deliver 23 high-quality social rented flats comprising 13 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom homes on a vacant brownfield site in the heart of the town, with easy access to public transport, shops, and services. 

The redevelopment of the site, the biggest council-owned development for decades, marks a significant step forward in the Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of social housing through its Teignbridge 100 programme. 

In line with the Council’s Carbon Reduction Plan, the scheme has been designed to Passivhaus Plus standard. This means that, in addition to the homes being well-insulated and energy efficient, the development will generate enough renewable energy to operate the building throughout the whole year. 

The site, formerly a bus station and more recently used for car parking, received planning permission in August 2024.  

The Council has created a detailed business case for this project to ensure it offers value for money and delivers benefits. £7.24 million has been allocated to the scheme, which includes infrastructure and external works. The overall cost will be met from a combination of funding sources, including Homes England grant, Housing capital receipts, s106 affordable housing contributions and council borrowing. 

Following approval at the meeting, the development will be delivered by local company Nevada Construction, who were selected through a competitive tender process. 

Construction is expected to begin following final funding and contract arrangements and will be closely monitored to ensure quality and value for money.