Local people with a connection to Widecombe-in-the-Moor who want to rent a new affordable home in the village are urged to register with Devon Home Choice so they can apply when properties are advertised later this year.

The first of eight new homes for rent in Teign Housing’s new affordable Housing scheme at Brook Lane Cottages is expected to be advertised between July and early autumn 2023, about eight weeks before they are due to be finished.

Two one-bedroom, two two-bedroom and four three- bedroom homes will be marketed and advertised on Devon Home Choice for at least 13 days, probably in two or more batches.

To be considered, residents must have a housing need, a local connection and be currently registered with Devon Home Choice. Those already registered can update their Devon Home Choice application if they have not mentioned a local connection.

A local connection means living in the parish of Widecombe-in-the Moor for at least five years; having moved away within the past five years; worked in the parish for not less than 16 hours per week for at least 26 weeks; or have a strong connection through upbringing, employment or a need to provide substantial care for a family member who has lived in the parish for five years.

Priority will be given to applicants with a connection to the parish of Widecombe-in-the Moor and then to those with connections to the parishes of Buckland-in-the-Moor, Holne, Manaton, that part of Ilsington that is in the National Park and Dartmoor Forest.

Once registered, residents can bid on-line through the Devon Home Choice website as soon as the adverts are on the site.

Executive Member for Housing, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury said: ‘This is a significant development in one of our most picturesque villages and our aim is to provide accommodation to those who are very much part of the local community.

‘Check out the Devon Home Choice website to see if you are eligible and if so apply or update your application to have a chance of getting one of these new homes.’

Amanda Nicholls, director of customers and communities at Teign Housing, said: ‘We are delighted how this partnership has created opportunities for local people to access high quality, affordable homes, in an area where there is ever-growing demand.

‘We look forward to handing over keys later in the year, giving people with a local connection a chance to remain and grow further roots in the area they know well.’