A TOTAL of up to 26 custom or self-build homes could be built at Dawlish and near Newton Abbot.

Millions of pounds of government funding has been awarded to district councils in Devon for regeneration schemes to boost economic recovery

A partnership of Devon’s district councils and emergency services has received £7 million for releasing brownfield land for development and £1.3 million of custom and self-build grant funding.

The government’s ‘One Public Estate’ programme aims to help councils create economic growth by unlocking land for new homes and jobs. It says this will “transform unloved and disused sites into vibrant communities for people to live and work.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert (Conservative, Salcombe), Devon County Council cabinet member for economic recovery and skills, said the county’s partnership, including with Torbay, had successfully received the full amount of its bid, ‘highlighting the benefits of working closely together’.

He added: ‘All of these schemes will regenerate and redevelop sites to open up opportunities for housing and economic growth as we look to ensure a strong recovery right across Devon.’

The 26 custom or self-build homes could be built at Orchard Lane, Dawlish, and Howton Field near Newton Abbot after more than £850,000 was awarded.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive member for housing Councillor Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish North East) said: ‘Custom and self-build homes are an attractive option for many people so receiving funding to cover some of the high infrastructure costs on these council owned sites is welcomed.

‘Our plans for 10 to 20 custom-build homes at Howton Field near Newton Abbot are well advanced with planning permission already achieved.

‘The Orchard Lane site at Dawlish was highlighted in our recent local plan sites option consultation and so any building would be subject to the outcome of that consultation, member consideration and approval as well as planning permission being sought for around six affordable custom or self-build homes.

‘If approved, some of the funding would enable us to offset the open space loss by improving play equipment on a nearby site.’