LiveWest to deliver more than 700 affordable homes in rural South West communities

A leading housing association has pledged to deliver around 709 affordable homes in rural communities across the South West over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to supporting some of the region's most remote and economically vital areas.

LiveWest, part of Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), has outlined its ambitious rural development plans as the housing sector marks Rural Housing Week, the National Housing Federation's annual campaign highlighting the essential role housing associations play in sustaining rural communities.

The housing association has already demonstrated this commitment through the delivery of 445 homes in rural locations across the South West over the past two years.

During the last financial year alone, LiveWest invested £56 million in rural housing, completing 240 homes across the region. This included 151 homes in Devon, 35 in Cornwall, 36 in Somerset and 18 in the West of England.

Looking ahead, LiveWest plans to build 321 homes in Devon, 242 in Cornwall, 74 in Somerset and 72 in the West of England over the next three years.

The programme means that almost a quarter of LiveWest's overall development pipeline will be focused on rural communities.

Russell Baldwinson, Executive Director of Development and Investment at BFL, said: "Rural Housing Week is an important opportunity to highlight the vital role affordable homes play in sustaining thriving rural communities.

"Providing affordable housing in rural areas is a cornerstone of our development programme because we understand the difference a safe, secure and affordable home can make to people's lives.

"Affordable housing helps local people remain in the communities where they live and work, supporting local businesses, services and economies.

“Alongside our plans to deliver a significant number of homes in rural locations over the coming years, we are ensuring those homes are energy efficient, affordable to heat and designed to meet the needs of future generations."

In Westward Ho, nine social rented homes have been completed and are now fully occupied. Each property benefits from photovoltaic (PV) panels and achieves an average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 90, helping residents to reduce their energy costs.

Further homes have been delivered in the village of Lifton, where five social rent and six shared ownership properties provide local people with the opportunity to remain in the community. All homes are fitted with air source heat pumps, supporting low-carbon, energy-efficient living.

In South Molton, a further 12 homes — including six for social rent and six available through shared ownership — have been completed, boosting affordable housing options in the town.

These developments have been supported by grant funding from Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

Meanwhile, in Colyton, two affordable rent and seven shared ownership homes have been completed, with a further 11 affordable homes due to be finished later this year as work continues to expand housing provision in the area.