LARGE low-loader lorries negotiating small village roads proved to be more difficult than at first thought for a firm delivering five zero-carbon Zed Pod homes to Sandford on August 6 and 7.

Ten journeys were required to deliver the ready-made sections of buildings to the site of former garage blocks at Crofts Estate, Sandford.

No parking or waiting traffic restrictions were put in place and Sandford Parish Hall kindly offered free parking in its car park for those who were affected.

One of the first Zed Pods to arrive in Sandford. AQ 9246
One of the first Zed Pods to arrive in Sandford. AQ 9246 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The cones placed in Sandford to prevent parking or waiting ahead of the Zed Pods arrival. AQ 9237
The cones placed in Sandford to prevent parking or waiting ahead of the Zed Pods arrival. AQ 9237 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Each lorry was accompanied by two advanced warning vehicles and a traffic management company also assisted.

Letters were issued to local residents advising of the traffic issues prior to the installation.

Reversing one of the Zed Pods into Crofts at Sandford. AQ 9258
Reversing one of the Zed Pods into Crofts at Sandford. AQ 9258 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Mid Devon District Council scheme for its former garage blocks site is to provide five one-bedroom houses with associated parking and landscaping works.

The modular homes are suitable for couples, individuals or a couple with a young child.

It is understood that they will be occupied by people at the top of the council housing waiting list.

A large crane was used to help remove the ready-made homes from the lorries and into position with many engineers completing the installation works.

The lorry with one of the Zed Pods ready to be taken from the low-loader by crane. AQ 9267
The lorry with one of the Zed Pods ready to be taken from the low-loader by crane. AQ 9267 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A crane with one of the Zed Pods.
A crane with one of the Zed Pods. (M Vallance)

When people will be moving into the homes has as yet not been announced.

Mid Devon District Council has already installed Zed Pod homes at other locations across the district, with more to come.

Three affordable ZedPod dwellings and associated parking, landscaping and other minor associated works are to be built at a site of garages and forecourt in Churchill Drive, Crediton. 

The council is thrilled that its two projects at Shapland Place, Tiverton and St Andrews, Cullompton have been shortlisted in 19 categories from seven different awards organisers.

The council says these nominations highlight its commitment to excellence in construction, sustainability, and providing homes for residents.

The recognition also showcases the Council's strategic partnership with ZedPods, emphasising their shared commitment to environmental and social governance.

The St Andrews development has been recently shortlisted for three categories in the Inside Housing Development Awards 2024, which will take place on September 27.

For more information about council housing developments, visit the Mid Devon Housing Development Hub.