Cavanna Homes secures land in North Devon for 77 new homes
Devon-based housebuilder Cavanna Homes has acquired a eight-acre site for development in Bickington, North Devon, with plans to begin construction later this year.
The new community, just off Bickington Road (B3233), will be known as Bickington Park and will feature 77 one-to-four-bedroom homes designed to meet the growing demand for housing in the region.
Twenty-three houses will be allocated as affordable for local people, helping to relieve pressure on the housing waiting list which shows that more than 1,600 households are awaiting affordable housing across North Devon – an increase of over 220 households on the previous quarter.
In a mission to provide high-quality housing and encourage a more sustainable way of life, Cavanna Homes plan to provide all the properties with air-source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points, with the majority also having solar PV. Larger plots have been designed to accommodate batteries that will store energy generated from solar PV, that can be used to power homes.
Retained hedgerows envelope the site and a new fruit orchard, new and existing trees and over two acres of open space will contribute to the site’s overall attractiveness and spaciousness, as well as provide habitats for nature and wildlife.
New footpaths planned for Bickington Park will connect to an existing bridleway which drops down to the popular Tarka Trail, and public transport and cycleways link to the site to Barnstaple town centre. The North Devon Link Road can be accessed in under 10-minutes, and connect residents to the M5, as well as Tiverton Parkway Railway Station.
As part of the development, Section 106 community contributions will be allocated to support local GP surgeries, as well as for early years, primary and secondary education improvements.
Cavanna Homes is also committing funds to the local authority for a land purchase that will accommodate the expansion of an existing school or a new primary school in the future.
Director of Land and Design, Michael Newman said: “The purchase of this site marks the final stage in what has been an exciting journey for Cavanna Homes which totalled more than three years and included achieving planning permission for the 77 new homes.
“We are looking forward to beginning construction on-site and bringing forward exceptional, energy-efficient homes for people looking to live in North Devon, close to schools, local amenities and of course outstanding coastline.
“We’re extremely proud to continue our legacy of building high-quality homes here in the South West, enhancing places and spaces for people and nature.”
Nick Mann, Senior Urban Designer at LHC Design who are the appointed Master Planners for Bickington Park added: “LHC have been delighted to collaborate with Cavanna Homes and the consultant team to develop the masterplan for Bickington Park.
The 77 new high-quality homes are set within multi-functional green spaces and include a children’s play area, orchard tree planting and public open space which include biodiversity and habitat enhancements for wildlife and people.
A key element of the design was to provide connections to the countryside and Tarka Trail which offers benefits to new and existing residents, for recreation and leisure, via a new link through the open space.”
Construction work is due to begin at Bickington Park in autumn 2024, with the first homes due for completion in summer 2025.
Those wanting to know more about Bickington Park can visit the development page here.
Picture credit: LHC Design.
