The housing association is committed to increasing the supply of affordable rural housing 

LiveWest is committing approximately 33% of its development programme to delivering homes in rural areas across the next two years.

The housing provider plans to expand its reach with an additional 711 rural properties, made up of 176 homes in Cornwall, 218 in Devon, 302 in Somerset and 15 in the West of England.

It follows on from the 508 homes LiveWest has built across the South West during the past two years.

The housing association has invested close to £44m in rural homes during the last financial year having built 264 homes in rural areas: 47 homes built in Cornwall, 67 in Devon, 132 in Somerset, eight in the West of England and an additional 10 in other areas.

Gareth Jones, development director, said: “At LiveWest, we are committed to strengthening and supporting rural communities by creating access to excellent affordable housing.

“We know the huge difference that affordable homes make to local people in rural areas when they want to stay in an area for work or family reasons.

“Housing associations have a key role to play in supporting local communities coupled through providing homes that people love to live in. We are committed to supporting all our communities, including those who live in rural areas.

“Over the past two years, we have delivered 508 homes in rural locations in the South West. We are committed to increasing the supply of affordable rural housing in our towns and villages and to contributing positively to a thriving countryside.”

LiveWest’s completion of a number of affordable homes in Ashburton marks the first development in the small rural Devon town in 22 years.

The association teamed up with Dartmoor National Park Authority, Teignbridge District Council, and local developers Coyde Construction to develop 39 affordable homes in the town.

The development is a mix of properties: 25 homes for social rent and 14 homes for shared ownership. The development, which is due to be completed by the end of the year, benefits from Homes England grant funding.