Stirling picks up where Nelson left off

A former residential home in Honicknowle has been earmarked for Plymouth's newest veteran self-build project.

Stirling House on Honicknowle Green will be demolished and planned in its place are a number of self-build housing opportunities for former service families as well as single veterans in housing need, alongside other homes for sale and rent.

Following hot-on-the-heels of the celebrated and award winning Nelson Project, Plymouth City Council has again teamed up with partners DCH, Form Design and charity Community Self Build Agency for the scheme.

The Nelson Project was completed earlier this year and saw ex-service personnel help with the construction of a 24-home site that includes 12 self-build homes for military veterans and 12 mixed use affordable homes, including supported housing.

In a similar arrangement to the Nelson Project, the Council plans to provide the land where Stirling House currently stands to DCH.

Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Strategic Transport, Housing and Planning, said: "As soon as we had finished the Nelson Project, we sat down with our partners and said - 'let's do this again.'

"The site at Honicknowle Green has already been ear-marked for new homes in the Joint Local Plan so it is the perfect site for the project.

"I'm really excited to pledge our support and to once again play a part in a project that has the potential to change lives. Hopefully this is just the second of many similar projects.”

Gareth Jones, Development Director at DCH, said: “Following the successful outcome of the Nelson Project DCH is delighted to be working with it’s partners on a further  development at Stirling House.”

Norman Biddle, Chairman of the Community Self Build Agency said: "The CSBA Veterans Self Build team appreciate that Stirling House on Honicknowle Green is ideally located within a strong vibrant community nearby the hospital and with reliable public transport links, reputable education, business and employment opportunities.

"This is an award winning partnership that endeavours to replace a tired building, associated with happy memories for many, with something rather special that builds on changing lives and enhancing the community with a contribution to a positive future.

"This, combined with our commitment to help disadvantaged groups and social housing as a whole, means there has never been a greater need or time than the present to seek much needed funding and support."

The building of the new homes in Honicknowle will once again be managed by Veterans' Self Build, an arm of the Community Self Build Agency while DCH will manage the completed homes

During the build, the ex-servicemen will gain a place to call home, will complete construction courses that will help them develop the skills needed to engage with the project and gain valuable job-based skills to build their own homes.

The project also has the option of expanding into a nearby disused health clinic. Plymouth City Council is currently exploring this possibility.