A Dawlish councillor has welcomed the first affordable homes to become available in Exminster as part of a major housing development.

They are expected to be available to rent early next year.

More than 400 homes for rent and shared ownership will be built as part of the 2,500-home development. It will also include a new school campus, shops, GP surgery, and more.

Who are they for?

Homes will reportedly be offered first to people with a 'strong' connection to the parish of Exminster - if you have been a resident, have a permanent local job, or have a close relative living there.

People with such connections are being urged to register with Devon Home Choice, as they will soon be advertising the first two and three bed affordable homes for rent, which are being built just off the A30 at Trood Lane, Exminster.

If not enough people come forward with a connection to Exminster, then people with links to Shillingford, Kenn, and Powderham will be considered, and then the rest of Teignbridge.

Executive Member for Housing Cllr Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish North East) welcomed the news: "We are committed to making more affordable homes available and over the next five years the combination of rent and shared ownership within this development represents a major step forward in helping local people find the housing they need.

"It's good that these are available for the most local people first, staying close to family is even more important these days.

"As these developments take shape over the coming years, we look forward to a stream of affordable homes becoming available and going to local people who need a decent place to live."

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