Devolution deal capital funding supports affordable homes, green jobs and economic growth

A multi-million pound cash injection to provide more affordable homes, sheltered accommodation, green jobs and business growth in Devon and Torbay has been confirmed by Government.

A multi-million pound cash injection to provide more affordable homes, sheltered accommodation, green jobs and business growth in Devon and Torbay has been confirmed by Government.

More than £8 million will be spent on housing projects in East, North, Mid and West Devon, the South Hams and Torbay.

They are part of the £16 million of capital funding from Devon County Council and Torbay Council’s devolution deal.

The funding will now enable 16 projects to progress, accelerating Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy and capitalising on the area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology. 

The schemes have been developed by district councils, key business organisations, training providers and other selected organisations who were invited to put forward schemes which could meet the requirements of Devon and Torbay’s devolution proposal.

Projects include:

• Torbay Council will repurpose holiday/visitor accommodation to create up to 36 affordable homes
• A programme of training at Exeter College to boost practical skills related to green energy
• North Devon Council will take control of a number of existing low quality properties in Ilfracombe and improve them to create decent low cost, energy efficient housing in order to re-let them as an ethical landlord
• Development of a Green Skills and Energy Centre at South Devon College with the installation of green energy training equipment
• Development of modular units known as ‘Cranbox’, to help local businesses set up in Cranbrook and to create a commercial and community hub

Torridge District Council will establish the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre to create a new global leading R&D space for next generation sustainable maritime initiatives and there will also be the improvement of an existing training facility at the Apricot Centre near Totnes which provides rural and agri-ecological skills for the rural economy.

Two feasibility studies will be undertaken – South Hams District Council will explore an electric vehicle solar canopy for Dartmouth park and ride, and Teignbridge District Council will consider a deep geothermal well at Heathfield near Newton Abbot.

West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council are carrying out two essential renovation projects for temporary accommodation to tackle the very acute needs of the housing crisis.

A Green Impact Fund is also being launched by Devon County Council to provide capital funding support to enable businesses and community organisations to adopt and implement sustainable products and technologies.

Councillor James McInnes, Leader of Devon County Council, said:

“The confirmation of the funding from Government means that we can now issue grant agreements to each of the 16 projects. These initiatives, across Devon and Torbay, are wide ranging but they support a number of our key devolution ambitions including the delivery of local housing priorities, net zero targets and development of green skills.”

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said:

“These projects will make a vital contribution to closing the gap between our region’s performance and the rest of the UK, which is precisely what our devolution deal is intended for. Given the timescales set by the Government to use the funding, the partners involved have had to balance deliverability and impact. I’ve no doubt all of the projects will successfully achieve both and help guide our future investment decisions.”

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council and Chair of Devon Districts’ Forum, said:

“This is fantastic news for local communities across Devon and Torbay. It will create much-needed jobs and bring exciting opportunities for businesses, as well as helping us to address housing, skills and net zero carbon goals.

“At East Devon District we are proud of our successful bid worth nearly £2m which will allow Cranbook to move ahead with the exciting Cranbox scheme.” 

Details of each scheme will be included on the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal website: https://www.devontorbaydeal.org.uk/