Caroline Voaden MP visited Baker Estates’ Little Cotton Farm development in Dartmouth to see first-hand the progress being made on delivering high-quality new homes for the local community.
During her visit, the South Devon MP toured the site alongside Graham Hutton and Nicole Stacey from Baker Estates and discussed the vital role the scheme is playing in providing much-needed new housing as well as inward investment.
The Government has recognised construction and housebuilding as key drivers of economic growth, and Little Cotton Farm is demonstrating the far-reaching economic and social benefits that new developments can bring. Studies show the flagship scheme will deliver 416 new homes over seven years and generate more than £100 million in direct economic investment into Dartmouth and the surrounding area. This figure reflects direct and indirect employment at the site, the use of regional suppliers and materials, additional council tax revenue for the local authority, and increased spending in the town as new residents move in.
Of the 416 homes being built, 126 will be affordable properties delivered by the end of the project, helping to address the significant demand for affordable housing across the district and beyond. As part of its Section 106 agreement, Baker Estates is also contributing £680,000 towards local sports pitches, £52,500 for early years education provision, £70,000 for highway and footway improvements, and £50,000 to support the town’s Park & Ride service. Together, these contributions are designed to ensure that the development not only meets housing needs but also strengthens local infrastructure and services.
At peak periods, Baker Estates has employed up to 100 local subcontractors daily at Little Cotton Farm, including eight apprentices. Among them is local resident George Chandler who is gaining valuable skills and hands-on experience. One local apprentice working on the site is due to move into one of the new affordable homes, underlining the development’s tangible impact on young people beginning their careers.
Graham Hutton, Deputy Managing Director at Baker Estates, said: “We were delighted to show Caroline around our new community. Delivering new homes is about a lot more than bricks and mortar. Our developments are primarily responding to local housing needs, but they can also unlock many more benefits for communities. As a housebuilder, it’s important to invest time to help local authorities, planners and local people understand the economic benefits of our developments. This may seem obvious but sometimes the connection is missed.
“When we say that we ‘work’ with local communities, we truly mean it. From our earliest engagement during the planning process, through construction and on to completion, we have collaborated closely with the parish and town councils, as well as all our stakeholders, to create the best new community possible.”
“Little Cotton Farm in Dartmouth has been fulfilling an array of local needs, from employment and apprenticeships to housing, infrastructure, transport improvements and a diverse range of wider community benefits.”
Little Cotton Farm forms part of a long-term vision to create a sustainable new neighbourhood that reflects the character of Dartmouth while helping to preserve the natural beauty of the South Hams. The development includes a wide mix of homes, designed to enable people with strong local connections to remain in the town.
Caroline Voaden MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit Baker Estates’ Little Cotton Farm and see the progress being made and talk to some local people who are working on the site, gaining skills and career potential. Access to affordable, quality housing is one of the biggest challenges facing communities like Dartmouth. Developments such as this play an important part in ensuring that local people, from young families to downsizers, have the opportunity to stay in the town they know and love – although we know that private housebuilders can never replace the social housing stock that the country has lost and this is a problem the government really needs to get to grips with. The social investments made by housebuilders like Baker Estates are a vital part of new developments like this.”
Once complete, Little Cotton Farm will provide a balanced mix of open market and affordable homes, making a significant contribution to Dartmouth’s housing supply while fostering a strong and vibrant new community.