Local people to benefit from new affordable housing development in Winkleigh

Winkleigh is set to gain 21 new affordable homes as part of a wider housing development currently under construction in the village. 

The Castle Green estate, being built by national construction company Lovell, will eventually provide 71 homes in total.

The affordable homes are being delivered by Westward Housing Group under section 106 planning rules. They will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses and flats. 

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Of these, 16 will be for social rent, and five will be available through shared ownership schemes.

The rented properties will be allocated through Devon Home Choice, with priority given to people who live in Winkleigh parish. 

If demand cannot be met within the parish, applications will be opened to surrounding parishes and then the wider Torridge district, where there is a high level of housing need.

Work on the first phase of the development has already begun, and all homes are expected to be completed by April 2026. 

The houses will meet high building standards, with an energy performance rating of B and air source heat pumps fitted throughout.

Stephen Lodge, Chief Executive of Westward Housing Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to visit the location of our new homes being built, with the local MP, Sir Geoffrey Cox. It gives us an opportunity to show him the difference homes make in rural communities and the importance of affordable housing in Devon.”

Figures show there was a need for 37 affordable homes in Winkleigh parish earlier this year, and a further 25 in nearby parishes. 

Across Torridge district, 1,458 households were recorded in housing need as of March 2025.

As well as new homes, the development will contribute to a range of community facilities. These include improvements to local play and sports areas, support for secondary school transport, a community car park, and ecological landscaping.

The Castle Green estate is expected to make a significant impact on both housing supply and community resources in Winkleigh over the coming years.