Planning consent approved to develop ‘later living’ affordable housing apartments at St Kilda’s in Brixham

Planning consent has been unanimously approved for the development of 23 ‘later living’ affordable housing apartments on the brownfield site at St Kilda’s, off Drew Street in Brixham.

The former care home which has been earmarked for Over 55 housing since its closure in 2016, will offer both one and two bed apartments.

The site will be transferred from Torbay Council to TorVista Homes, who will develop and manage the new scheme. TorVista Homes is part of the TDA Group, a wholly owned company of Torbay Council and aims to target new investment in Torbay to support the council’s housing strategy.

Government funding of more than £300,000 has already been secured for this development, from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The department has allocated almost £40m to 42 councils as the first phase of the £180m Brownfield Land Release Fund, which will continue to be rolled out over the next two years. The aim of the fund is to transform derelict buildings and disused sites into new homes to boost local regeneration and drive growth.

In addition to the funding already awarded, TorVista Homes is seeking to secure further funding from Homes England towards the project.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Providing affordable housing that meets the needs of local people is a key priority for Torbay Council. These ‘later-living’ apartments not only support our Housing Strategy but demonstrate the commitment both us and TorVista Homes have, to increase the supply of affordable homes within Torbay.” 

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “We face a housing crisis here in Torbay. There’s been a big rise in the number of people needing affordable temporary and permanent accommodation, yet there is a shortage of properties. It is really positive news that planning consent has been approved for this development and works can now progress.”

TorVista Homes is currently in negotiations with local building companies to appoint a contractor. Work on the site is expected to commence later this summer and complete during the summer of 2025.

Rick Williams, Chair of TorVista Homes, said; “This is an exciting time for TorVista and we’re delighted that our vision for developing much needed new homes is now a reality. We want to build safe, affordable homes of high quality to support and create communities and neighbourhoods where people choose to live. We look forward to transforming this disused building into desirable new homes for local people.”

TorVista Homes plan to deliver around 350 new homes within Torbay over the next four to five years. This includes a range of different affordable housing products such as temporary accommodation, Extra Care housing, older persons housing and general needs for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.

TorVista Homes has Registered Provider status and Investment Partner status with Homes England. This enables TorVista Homes to bid for and receive the grants required to support the delivery and acquisition of affordable housing, which will help maximise the number of homes delivered in Torbay.

Find out more about TorVista Homes via: https://torvistahomes.co.uk/