Our Devonport Community Led Housing Idea

In early 2019, the PEMB directors agreed to explore an opportunity to develop new housing within Devonport.

Any new build would not only support the Government’s challenge of building 300,000 new homes a year but would also support those Devonport residents who find themselves challenged to find smaller properties in the area because of falling under the Bedroom Tax (Spare Room Subsidy) legislation.

Where will this housing development be?

Following the decision, PEMB identified a number of small sites. Discussions took place with Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) to see whether any of the sites could be used for housing. It was recognised that selecting an appropriate site wouldn’t be easy. All of the identified sites may already be an issue of interest to other organisations, particularly in terms of ownership or restrictions on type of use. 

After site visits, having had discussions and expressions of support from both PCH and Plymouth City Council (PCC) and a number of other interested people, Clowance Street was chosen as the most viable site for the scheme. 

Funding applications were successfully made to the appropriate organisations to support the initial phase of the scheme, which included feasibility studies and community engagement. 

What next?

PEMB are very excited about this housing scheme and hope that others will feel the same way. It’s an opportunity to support Government and local demand as well as assisting older Devonport residents to stay in their area, with the social support networks they need and love.

It’s going to be quite a long journey but we have the support of both PCH and PCC. PCH have agreed to partner PEMB on this project, and PCC have agreed to transfer the site to PCH should the scheme be viable and attract community support.  

Although PEMB is led by local residents, it is the support and involvement of local people that will be key to the success of this scheme. We really would love to hear your views.