Impact and support

79% of respondents who answered this question on the Housing Needs Survey supported there being a small development of affordable housing in our parishes. 

 

The Community Land Trust has also received the following quotations of support for the project to provide additional affordable homes for local people:

​

Residents of the Lake's Down affordable housing

“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 enjoy the sense of community in the development and have been able to get involved in village life. I owe a debt of gratitude to all those whose hard work and good decisions brought about the affordable housing at Lake’s Down. I believe it is a fantastic asset and a credit to the community in every way.”
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 and we felt moving further afield away from close family wasn't ideal! 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. We are around family in a lovely area, lots of friendly neighbours and a brilliant school close by. We are forever thankful to everyone who played their part in making it happen. It is a real hidden treasure. The layout works perfectly and it's so nice to be surrounded by a lovely communal area and off of a main road where we feel the children are safe to play.”
Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne

​

“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

​

“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 for eating. Because rent was so expensive we couldn't afford to rent a three bedroom privately, while also staying close to the children's school and their dad in Brampford Speke. I am now in a secure three bedroom home in the area we need to be in, my rent is affordable and the community is safe and welcoming. It does mean a lot to have this home and being part of the wider community is very special.”

Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne

​

“Previously I was living with my parents in Upton Pyne but the time had come to move on. I wanted to stay in the village but there was no way I could afford anything locally. I thought I would have to move further away but the affordable housing made it possible for me to stay. I work near here, grew up here and have family here. It is a lovely, safe, small environment. My house is good size, affordable and comfortable with a lovely garden. I am so thankful that this house came up at just the right time for me to get it and I absolutely love it.”

Resident, affordable housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne

​

“Before Lake's Down was built we couldn’t afford to live in the village due to high rent and house prices. We are a family of 5 and any house suitable was too expensive for us. Moving to Lake's Down meant that we are able to live in the village I grew up in which is a lovely feeling, and that we are so close to my parents. Being close to family is a very important factor for us. It also meant the children could go to the local village school and we could be involved with the village community. These developments are so important for villages. Families who grew up in these villages sometimes cannot afford to stay in them due to high prices. 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

​

Local employers

“As a local employer I strongly endorse the provision of affordable housing in the Upton Pyne/Brampford Speke area. One of the disadvantages of operating a business in a rural location is the lack of public transport and this can make it difficult to attract new staff -- in particular younger people. Our company participates in the government Cycle to Work scheme, so affordable housing is essential to our ability to recruit locally and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Keith Sutherland, Imprint (local employer)

​

“As a partner in Bernaville garden centre we employ over 80 local people, mostly full time in a variety of roles including catering and retail which are not specialised roles. I have previously voiced my enthusiasm for local affordable housing within our parish or neighbouring parishes so that children and grandchildren of current parishioners can stay and work in the parish of their birth.”
Tony Jackson, Bernaville Nurseries, (local employer)

​

“Thorverton Stone Company is fully in support of providing more affordable housing in the locality. As a business with a manufacturing facility in a rural location we try to use local suppliers and employ local people (currently 17 employees) wherever possible. Affordable housing in the surrounding villages is key to keeping workers in the area and making them more available to work locally without the need to travel far.”
Mark Lewers, Thorverton Stone (local employer) 

​

Other local organisations

“As Head of School at Brampford Speke C of E Primary School, I fully understand the importance of affordable housing in the village. The long-term sustainability of our school depends on families being able to afford to live in the school’s catchment area and, as such, I am in support of the work being carried out by the CLT to enable affordable housing to be built. This project would be really beneficial for our school as it could provide us with a secure green space in which to teach P.E and hold events such as Sport’s day and a Summer Fete. It would enable us to continue to thrive and truly serve our community and the children and young people that could one day live in it.’’
Charlotte Tofts, Head of School at Brampford Speke C of E Primary School ​

​

“I am also delighted to support the work being undertaken by the Community Land Trust to create affordable housing opportunities in and around Brampford Speke. When villages are able to grow and families are able to move into the area, schools can also grow and continue to flourish. Brampford Speke C of E Primary School prides itself on being ‘small but mighty’ but it needs to continue to fill our school places in order for this to happen.

The school would also benefit from having access to a secure green space and this would enable us to expand and develop our PE and community provision, as well as offering an alternative outdoor learning facility. This space could also be used to host community events and provide a focal point for the school and community within the village.’’

John Jolliffe, Executive Headteacher, Exe Valley Federation, including Brampford Speke C of E Primary School

​

“As a rural parish priest I am very aware of the fragility of small communities, particularly where local families can no longer afford to live in the communities where they grew up. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the CLT in all that they do; in being determined to build affordable housing and then making them available for people with local connections. Such an approach helps sustain these small rural communities, and enables investment to be made in essential local amenities such as schools and shops, and other appropriate employment opportunities.”
Revd Tim Collins, Priest in Charge, Netherexe Mission Community

​

Other local residents

“I was a bit wary when I first heard about the affordable housing plans at Lake’s Down in Upton Pyne. But now they have been built there are no issues and it’s great to see the kids playing and kicking a ball around on the community land.”
Local resident

​

“It is increasingly difficult for local people to find affordable housing in the South West, because of prices and availability. Family members and local employees, including health workers, need the support of local initiatives such as the CLT.”
CLT Member

​

“It is good that local people on low incomes are not penalised but are able to remain in the village through the provision of affordable housing. I frequently use community land and draw strength and pleasure from it; beauty in surroundings feeds the soul. Others regularly use it for exercise and recreation and it encourages interaction with others. All this can contribute to healthier, happier residents.”
Resident, private housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne and CLT member

​

“As someone who has just moved in to an ex-Council house in the area. I’m keen to help young people from the village have a chance of bringing up a family locally.”
CLT Member

​

“The word “affordable” says it all - many local people on perhaps a below average wage will never stand a chance of getting a decent home unless the rents are indeed affordable. I strongly believe in the importance of green communal space for play and recreation. Exercise is important!”
CLT Member

​

“I believe it's important that we help local people have the opportunity to stay in the area by providing affordable housing. The community feel in Lake’s Down has been wonderful to be part of. Communal green spaces are so important for communities - they help us forge relationships with each other and with the natural world.”
Resident, private housing, Lake’s Down, Upton Pyne and CLT member