More than 20 social homes set for demolition

Mid Devon District Council is set to demolish 22 of its social houses as part of redevelopment plans.

The social homes are across three locations in Tiverton's Lowman area, Bampton and Cheriton Fitzpaine.

A scrutiny committee on Monday heard the homes were set to be knocked down in the coming weeks and replaced with new houses.

Head of housing and health Simon Newcombe said Home England was contributing to the cost of replacing the demolished properties.

The exact streets have not been identified by the council to prevent the properties being targeted by squatters, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Newcombe said it could often be beneficial to demolish properties, especially those on larger plots, as it could mean more homes being rebuilt in their place.

"Also, at the moment, Homes England is contributing to the cost of replacing those that we are demolishing and adding in their place," he said.

"So if we knock one down and put four there, we get funding for those four, and that was very much not the case until recently.

"But the government has changed and Homes England has recognised that redeveloping and regenerating social housing provides a benefit."

Mr Newcome said, beyond the 22 set for demolition, another six were empty.

The council also has 50 more empty properties where upgrade works are being carried out, such as asbestos removal.

Mr Newcombe said some properties could end up being void for longer periods than expected, including due to residents being put into care or during the probate process where a tenant has died.

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