A major new housing development in Devon welcomed Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride as builders sought to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the sector amid continued demand for new homes.
Central Devon MP and shadow chancellor Mel Stride visited Barratt Homes’ Okement Park development on Crediton Road in Okehampton, where 220 homes are being delivered across the site. During the visit, he toured the development alongside Andrew Spicer, managing director of Barratt Bristol, Richard Lawson, sales director of Barratt Bristol, and Lorna Boundy, sales advisor at Okement Park.
The group visited the development’s show homes before viewing properties currently under construction.
Discussions during the visit focused on housing delivery in Devon, including Barratt Homes’ plans to integrate the development into the wider Okehampton community.
The housebuilder said the scheme includes 51 affordable homes and support initiatives aimed at local buyers, including a Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.
Stride also heard about sustainability features being included in the homes, such as photovoltaic solar panels, argon-filled double glazing and A and B EPC ratings, which the developer said are designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce household energy use.
Commenting on the visit, Mel Stride said: “It was important to meet with Barratt and hear directly about the challenges facing the sector.
“Delivering more homes requires the right balance between planning, infrastructure and investment, and these discussions are key to getting that right.
“As a party, we are developing new policies in this area and this was a useful discussion.”
Andrew Spicer, managing director at Barratt Bristol, added: “We were delighted to welcome Mel to Okement Park and showcase the flourishing new community we’ve created here, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the team behind its delivery.
“This development is a strong example of our commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local demand, while helping to build vibrant, well-connected communities across Devon.
“It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact new housing can have, both for residents and the wider area.”
Barratt Homes said the second phase of Okement Park is due to launch this summer and will include a further 91 two, three and four-bedroom homes.
The development is located close to the A30, with Exeter around a 35-minute drive away.
More information about Okement Park is available at www.barratthomes.co.uk/okement-park.
