Construction starts on 26‑home bungalow development in East‑the‑Water

Construction has started on a new residential development in East‑the‑Water, Bideford, following approval of detailed planning permission by Torridge District Council in 2022.

The site on Manteo Way will deliver 26 new 2‑ and 3‑bedroom bungalows, with a mix of traditional and chalet‑style homes, developer Baker Estates has confirmed.

The first groundworks were officially marked by Councillor Jude Gubb, who attended a ceremony alongside representatives from Baker Estates, including planning and sales directors.

East‑the‑Water is a community with its own identity within Bideford, with local shops, a primary school and community services serving residents in the area.

Single‑storey homes such as bungalows are often marketed as meeting specific housing needs, particularly for older people looking to downsize, or for residents seeking accessible living without stairs. 

Baker Estates says the bungalows at Chapel Green have been designed with “quality contemporary exteriors” and modern interiors to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

The development also forms part of broader housing activity in the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011‑2031, which envisages growth in housing supply to meet demand across the district while ensuring necessary infrastructure, facilities and green spaces are provided. The plan supports well‑designed housing schemes in sustainable locations, aiming to balance community needs with environmental and landscape considerations.

Baker Estates says construction is now under way and that the first homes are expected to be ready for occupation in summer 2026. 

A show home is being prepared to allow prospective buyers to view the types of properties on offer before official sales begin.

Baker Estates has been active across the region, with other consultations and planning work ongoing in and around North Devon. 

For example, the company recently consulted on a larger housing proposal near Abbotsham Road, Bideford, which would deliver a mix of properties including bungalows, houses and affordable homes.

Local authorities in Devon, including Torridge, are currently assessing housing land supply against national targets. 

In late 2025, an updated five‑year housing land supply statement from both North Devon Council and Torridge District Council showed that projected deliverable housing sites fall marginally short of the minimum required figure, a situation that can affect how planning policies are applied in future housing decisions.

The delivery of schemes such as Chapel Green forms part of broader efforts to increase housing availability in the region, particularly in established communities where services and transport links already exist.