Bridge and traffic fears as over 100 homes planned for Plymouth

More than 100 new homes in Sherford will be affordable for locals thanks to a deal by the city's biggest social landlord. The 117 homes, for which planning permission has already been granted, will be split between shared ownership and those that will be offered out for social rent.

The homes will be offered through Plymouth Community Homes' brand SO Living. The scheme should deliver a range of properties including two-bedroom flats, and two, three, four and five bedroom homes.

Sherford's previously agreed expansion has been raising concerns in our comments section. Residents have expressed concerns over the pressure on existing infrastructure. Commenter Devonee says: "Laira Bridge needs sorting out ASAP, thousands of homes being built and nothing done to tiny bridge. Traffic bad as it is."

Proudveteran writes: "Add to that we were told that Sherford traffic wouldn't come through this side of the city. We also have developments at other sites creating traffic that is going over Laira Bridge."

Luck69 says: "I put my views across to the council when Sherford was to be built regarding the traffic. We are a port and have limited transport links and roads in and out. I mentioned for them to build a train/tram on the old bridge up through the old cycle track. But they said it was not feasible and bury their heads in the sand. No their problem basically. And don't care! Other goals."

"Yet this is short sighted and will bring on future issues with traffic. Here we are, traffic and the town is not complete. More humans and traffic."

Doct thinks that other schemes show a good trend for Plymouth: "Great news. The affordable homes built by PCH in the North Prospect Mayflower development are really nice, well insulated and very cheap to run. If they can repeat their success in Sherford, then they will be an asset to the otherwise bland new-builds of the estate."

Other readers want amenities before housing. Commenter Legendendary writes: "Good if you want to live in the middle of nowhere. Where's the pubs, shops, cafés." MickSturbs agrees: "What about shops, a community centre, a sports centre, a church, a GP surgery, a health centre, a hair salon, more cafés, a post office..."

PCH is the city’s largest social landlord, managing 16,000 homes for 35,000 people in and around Plymouth, as well as developing new homes for social rent and shared ownership purchase to help people get onto the housing ladder.

Sherford is being developed as a new town and aims to provide in excess of 5,500 new homes together with a new primary and secondary school, community hubs, sports pitches, a leisure centre, playgrounds, skate parks, a shopping centre, and areas of public open spaces including a 500-acre country park.

Andrew Lawrie, Head of Development at PCH, said: “We are delighted to have secured this opportunity to provide 117 new affordable homes in Sherford, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Countryside Partnerships and was only possible with grant support from Homes England."

“This scheme is well placed to meet the PCH strategic priority to develop new homes in and around Plymouth, and this purchase will enable us to progress with the delivery of creating new affordable homes for rent and shared ownership purchase."

“The development should deliver a mix of affordable homes of different sizes within the immediate travel to work area and will help provide long-term security for individuals and families in housing need.”

What should come first - housing or amenities? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.