Brampford Speke, Upton Pyne & Cowley Community Land Trust
Creating affordable homes for local people, and community space for all, in Brampford Speke and Upton Pyne & Cowley Parishes
Affordable homes for people with a strong local connection
The availability of affordable homes for local people is an essential element of a thriving community. This allows people to continue living in our parishes despite rapidly increasing house prices and rents.
In 2021 Brampford Speke with Upton Pyne & Cowley commissioned Devon Communities Together to produce Housing Needs Surveys. These demonstrated a need for more affordable homes for local people in both our parishes.
The affordable homes in Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne have allowed local people to stay close to friends, family and dependent relatives. They have also allowed them to continue going to local schools and work. The quotations from the residents of the affordable homes tell the stories of this immeasurable positive impact on the lives of local people.
Whenever a Lake's Down home becomes available to rent we receive interest from multiple people with a strong local connection, demonstrating again the need for more affordable homes for parishioners.
The current households living in Lake's Down's seven affordable homes have strong local connections. Recent counts assigned Brampford Speke (three households), Upton Pyne (three households) and Cowley (one household).
Following the Housing Needs Survey, both Brampford Speke and Upton Pyne & Cowley Parish Councils confirmed their support in principle for the building of a small number of new affordable homes for local people. This general plan has also received positive support from employers and other organisations in our communities. Read quotations of support
Before Lake's Down was built we couldn’t afford to live in the village due to high rent and house prices. Moving to Lake's Down meant that we are able to live in the village I grew up in, stay close to my parents, the children could go to the local village school and we could be involved with the village community. Affordable housing for local people is paramount to the continuity of villages like ours and we really appreciate the house we live in.
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne
Before Lake's Down became available we were living in Brampford Speke with grandparents and one child. The house was over-crowded. It means so, so much that we can live in Lake's Down. We have our own place to call home which is secure and affordable, especially for the area.
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne
My son, daughter and I were living in a two bedroom house and having to use our front room as a third bedroom, leaving us no communal space. We now have a secure three bedroom home close to the children's school and their dad in Brampford Speke.
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne
The impact of Lake's Down in Upton Pyne
When the development of new affordable homes for local people and community land was first proposed in Upton Pyne some local residents had concerns. But these were overcome through careful planning and community involvement in the project.
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Lake's Down has given me a place to call home. Previously I was living with my parents nearby and now I have my own front door. I just want to say a big thank you to the CLT for making it possible.
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne
We are also looking for people who share our belief that the availability of affordable homes and sustainably managed community-run land are essential elements of a thriving, local community. If this is you please contact Sally Discombe, our Membership Secretary, at sallydiscombe@gmail.com for more information about becoming a member of the CLT.
Before I had the opportunity to move into the affordable housing in Lake's Down I faced a lack of security and accommodation which, because of its age, was expensive to maintain and heat. Now my tenancy is secure and that is a marvellous feeling. I owe a debt of gratitude to all those whose hard work and good decisions brought about the affordable housing at Lake’s Down.
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne