Aster Group and Transition Homes CLT finalise land contract for 39 new energy-efficient affordable homes in Dartington, near Totnes

Award-winning housing association Aster Group, in partnership with Transition Homes Community Land Trust (CLT), has successfully finalised the land contract for the site at Clay Park, Dartington, near Totnes. This milestone paves the way for the development of 39 new energy-efficient and affordable homes, all for social rent.

Transition Homes CLT will own the land and properties and Aster, a leading provider of CLT partnerships, will manage and maintain the mix of one-bed flats, studios and one, two, three and four-bedroom houses.

Aster will also deliver a play structure for the local community to enjoy and the CLT, working with residents, intends to deliver additional facilities for the community after the homes are occupied including allotments, an orchard, and a community building.

The project to bring affordable homes to local residents with a strong connection to Dartington and the adjacent parishes has been 16 years in the making. Planning approval was given in 2022 and Aster and Transition Homes CLT formalised its partnership earlier this year.

Commenting on the contract being agreed which brings the project another significant step closer to its successful conclusion, Erica Lewis, Trustee at Transition Homes CLT, said: “We are delighted that working with Aster, who can access funding the CLT could not have done, means delivering 39 units of social rented housing to the highest level of energy efficiency, (energy performance certificate (EPC A), constructed with a reduced level of embodied carbon and including solar panels.

“This project would never have been possible without the involvement of a wide range of local people who have supported the scheme with professional expertise, funding, advice or simply their persistence and enthusiasm.”

CLTs, a form of community-led housing, are set up and run by people within their local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets. Transition Homes CLT has its roots in Transition Town Totnes which is a community-led charity that exists to strengthen the local economy, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience to a changing climate. The CLT was set up in 2010 to deliver homes to the highest environmental standards and to meet the housing needs of local people who could not afford to buy on the open market. 

Commenting on the project, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, Amanda Williams, said: “I must applaud the CLT for their dedication, resilience and sheer determination over the 16 years it has taken to get to this point in delivering 39 new affordable homes for their local community – and we are proud to be part of that journey.

“These homes will remain in the ownership of the CLT and will always be let on an affordable basis, making a huge difference to the local community who are often priced out due to lack of availability coupled with high prices. They will have long term security, knowing they will be able to live and remain in a community they have a strong connection to.”

The build contract has also been agreed, with Acheson appointed to construct the homes which will be delivered to the highest energy efficiency rating, EPC A. All will come with air source heat pumps and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels to help customers with their utility bills. Preparatory work is underway at the site with Acheson set to start construction in the New Year.

Marcus Drysdale, Acheson Managing Director, said: “We are very pleased to have been appointed to deliver the new Clay Park development in Devon for repeat client Aster in conjunction with Transition Homes CLT.

“We look forward to commencing construction on this unique and environmentally sustainable development that will provide vital affordable housing for the local community.”

The new homes, due for delivery by the end of 2026, will be built with funding from Homes England, the government’s housing agency’s Affordable Housing Programme. The homes will be allocated to those registered with Devon Home Choice.