The Transition Homes Hiatus

Transition Homes’ scheme to built vital affordable homes on a greenfield site between Totnes and Dartington has ground to a halt once again because the contractor has gone out of business.

The Clay Park development of 39 rental homes for local people looked well underway earlier this year when the diggers moved in. The Totnes Pulse reported just last December after an exciting announcement that works were formalised with Acheson and about to begin.

Now the Transition Homes Community Land Trust has reported that the Dorset- based builders Acheson has gone into receivership.

The housing association Aster, which is in charge of the project, is actively looking for another contractor to carry the build forward. Acheson’s, formed in 1974, ceased to trade in February. Administrators Grant Thornton said it had been hit by increased costs for fixed price contracts and a dispute over amounts due for a major contract. Forty employees have lost their jobs.

The Clay Park scheme – begun in 2013 – has been dogged by problems over funding. Aster came on board with help from South Hams council and work began. Now this setback means
homes won’t be ready to rent for at least 18 months.

There is hope though that Aster will be signing a new contractor soon.