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The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership is delighted that £62,155,550 has been allocated to schemes in the HotSW area following a bid supported by the LEP, making it the third highest allocation to any LEP area in the country.
The total Housing Infrastructure Fund Marginal Viability Fund awarded was £866 million, making the HotSW award over 7% of the overall amount, out of 38 LEPs in England.
The funding is allocated by the Government to support local work that will make housing developments viable and get much-needed homes built quicker.
HotSW LEP endorsed the proposals from across the local authority areas of Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay and supported the bids by giving evidence on how each scheme would support the strategic objectives of the LEP, i.e. create the right conditions for economic growth through new infrastructure; enable the delivery of new housing, and generate employment opportunities.
Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, Steve Hindley, CBE DL, said:
“This is a superb result for communities in the Heart of the South West; and enabling new homes to be developed is one of HotSW LEP’s key aims.
“The high number of successful bids reflects the quality of the proposals, the strength of our partnerships, and the clear need for investment in infrastructure to unlock housing and growth in the HotSW area.â€
HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE FUND – Summary of Successful Marginal Viability Bids
| Name |
Description |
Additional Housing |
HotSW LEP Strategic Fit |
| Axminster North-South Relief Road |
Funding sought for delivery of Axminster North-South Relief Road (ANSRR). Key infrastructure for delivery of mixed use allocation in the Local Plan including 650 homes and 8 Ha of land for employment and commercial uses. |
650
(at least) |
This will unlock housing growth and a strategic employment site of 8 Ha for creation uses. Also delivers a condition for growth by improving transport and accessibility. |
| Brimsmore, Thorne Lane Yeovil |
Brimsmore urban extension comprises 977 homes, a 1700m east-west link road, village square with shops, offices, community hall, care home and pub.
Funding sought for the central section of the Link Road allowing the eastern end of the site to be opened up for housing. |
With HIF 422
Without HIF
180 |
Creates conditions for growth by improving transport and accessibility. Unlocks housing growth. Creates a new Woodland Area and provides a new Local Centre with facilities for residents. |
| Cullompton and Culm Garden Village M5 Junction 28 Improvements |
Planned growth of Cullompton and Culm Garden Village are dependent on highway improvements, including addressing capacity issues related to the local road network. This infrastructure funding is being sought to unlock the required improvements to M5 J28 which will unlock around 2,000 homes and 10,000 sqm of employment land. |
2,000 |
Resolves a transport infrastructure barrier to unlock and drive an increase in the delivery of planned housing growth at a strategic site. Thereby creating the conditions for growth, maximising productivity and employment opportunities. The garden village also capitalises on distinctive assets. |
| Dawlish Link Road, Bridge and Cycleway |
£4.3 million for early delivery of a new bridge and 800 metre section of a tree-lined link road, including pedestrian and cycleway to open up Dawlish urban extension. |
353 |
Transport and accessibility will be improved and recovered HIF funding will be recycled into sustainable green infrastructure improvements. Housing growth will be unlocked as will enterprise infrastructure (approximately 60 plots) |
| East Bridgwater Spine Road |
Development of East Bridgwater is a key objective to the Sedgemoor Local Plan but requires a reinforced spine road, currently costed at £11 million. The HIF proposal will significantly enhance the viability of the wider site area, unlocking the development of 1,500 new homes. |
1,500 |
Helps to achieve accelerated housing delivery alongside infrastructure and essential services. This will drive productivity and growth. Sedgemoor and Bridgwater form part of the Hinkley Housing Zone.
Linked to Hinkley Housing Zone Forward Fund EOI. |
| Greater Exeter Suitable Alternative Natural green Space (SANGS) |
a) £3.7 million for:
(i) Establishment and ongoing management of South West Exeter SANGS; and
(ii) The ongoing management of already established Dawlish SANGS.
b) The SANGS will function as countryside parks that mitigate the impacts of increased population on European Protected Sites.
c) Their ongoing provision will overcome a legal requirement that risks halting development across Exeter.
d) More than 17,000 homes will be unlocked by 2031, including more than 3,500 by 2021.
e) HIF support will overcome a funding gap that the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) regulations prevent from being addressed through borrowing.
f) 100% of the funds will ultimately be recovered and reinvested in other public infrastructure that supports Greater Exeter’s continued growth. |
3,500 by 2021 |
The proposal unlocks housing growth which otherwise is put at risk because of potential for unacceptable impacts on protected Natura 2000 wildlife sites. Mitigation in the form of SANGS will unlock approximately 17,000 homes by 2031 (including 3,500 by 2021). |
| Ilfracombe Southern Extension, North Devon |
Ilfracombe’s proposed Southern Extension was granted outline planning permission in May 2017. HIF funding sought for a 420 place primary school. Delivered in advance of housing, this will make the wider scheme (includes housing) more attractive to housing developers and occupiers. |
750 |
The Southern Extension scheme will provide modern, sustainable housing including opportunities to attract and retain a younger workforce for key employers in the town. The development will also offer employment opportunities. Improved education facilities and delivery of infrastructure will facilitate regeneration. |
| Staplegrove Link Road |
The HIF bid seeks to support the early delivery of a link road to the Staplegrove/North Taunton new community. This will free up access to accelerate housing delivery and provide early access to a primary school site which will be needed to accommodate new pupils arising from the development. |
1,628 |
Facilitates access and supports growth. The new community will deliver approximately 1,600 new dwellings and is a key part of the growth proposals for Taunton Garden Town. It also lies within the Hinkley Housing Zone area. |
| Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension Access – phase 2 new A361 junction |
The HIF Bid is for funding for the second phase of the work to complete the strategic access junction to the A361 at Tiverton. |
1,000 |
Resolves a transport infrastructure barrier to unlock and drive an increase in the delivery of planned housing growth at a strategic site. |
| Westacott, Barnstaple North Devon |
The HIF bid is to fund a new roundabout on the A361 which includes capacity for future traffic levels. This is the primary access to the Westacott development on the eastern fringe of Barnstaple. |
950 |
Creates infrastructure for growth. The proposal will provide a new link between the A361 and Westacott Road, thereby relieving congestion. High quality new housing and infrastructure will help to attract a workforce and retain young people. Increasing housing supply will help to close the affordability gap. |
| North Prospect Regeneration Phase 4 |
Administered by Plymouth City Council |
TBC |
***Details to follow*** |
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