Work starts on Veterans’ Self-Build project in Plymouth

Planning permission was granted in April 2016 for the new development of 24 affordable homes on the site of the former St George’s Day Centre at George Place, Millbay. Interserve, the International Support Services and Construction Group, with a local office in Plymouth, have been appointed as main contractor and work is now underway.   The affordable housing development will include 12 self-build units for ex-service personnel, six units for people with learning disabilities, and six general use affordable homes.   The project is a partnership between the Community Self Build Agency charity, local housing association DCH, Plymouth City Council, and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). It has been funded with £898,200 from the HCA and Plymouth City Council has provided £450,000 capital funding. It follows a similar successful scheme in Bristol and other schemes are now in the pipeline elsewhere in the country.   Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture who is also Plymouth City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are committed to supporting local Veterans in Plymouth and this new self-build partnership with the HCA, DCH and the Community Self Build Agency is just one of many projects we are involved with as a Council.   “As a Veteran myself, I am absolutely delighted that this fantastic scheme is now underway in Plymouth. We really need more affordable housing for Veterans in the city and this scheme not only provides much needed homes but will also provide them with the training and skills needed to help build their own homes and gain future employment.”   Alex South, Project Worker for the Community Self-Build Agency said “I’m really pleased that the self-builders have now been engaged on their Foundation Level 1 construction course for four weeks and all are doing well. They have also had their onsite brief and site walk around.”   Gareth Jones, DCH’s Development Director of Affordable Housing, said “Seeing the work underway for this project is an important milestone that we have achieved as a partnership, and I’m sure the veterans joining the build will be pleased to get started on site. The scheme is one of the various ways that we show our commitment to supporting our communities in the local area and we look forward to seeing the first residents in their homes.”