TWO affordable housing projects in Mid Devon are to benefit from funding secured from Devon and Torbay’s devolution deal.

A total of £16 million was given to the new combined county authority (CCA) last year, with half of that cash dedicated to housing, green jobs and other economic initiatives.

Mid Devon District Council submitted applications for funding towards two community land trusts in Thorverton and Chawleigh and has now been given £350,000.

Community land trusts are non-profit organisations that own and develop land for the benefit of the community, and the council said the two organisations in Thorverton and Chawleigh are in a position to spend the money quickly.

The funds have to be used by the end of March as part of the Devon/Torbay CCA’s agreement with the government.

Twenty-nine new affordable homes are expected to be created by the two land trusts.

Cllr Simon Clist (Liberal Democrat, Upper Culm), cabinet member for housing, assets and property, said that while the funding is “modest” it would be “transformative in allowing community land trust schemes to progress where they otherwise may stall.

“Investment in these initiatives will support these communities but also the district council in supporting its ambition to secure a diverse range of housing in the district is delivered for the needs of our residents,” he added.

Richard Marsh, the council’s director of place, said both community land trusts had been chosen because of their ability to spend the money within the short deadline and that the authority is “well-advanced” in its discussions with the two schemes.

Cllr Rhys Roberts (Conservative, Cadbury), whose ward covers Thorverton, welcomed the news, and said: “I’m closely involved in the scheme, which is an organised group working closely with the parish council and we’re well ahead in our arrangements and ambitions.”

Bradley Gerrard