With the site now cleared and prepared, construction work on 20 new homes in the coastal village of Lee Bay (nr. Ilfracombe) can begin.
It’s an exciting project which will see Acorn Property Group introduce a range of apartments and houses of varying sizes to this sensitive brownfield site.
Home to the former Lee Bay Hotel, which was derelict for more than 15 years, the site is in a coastal protection zone, AONB, Heritage Coast and Conservation Area. The picturesque village is nestled amongst the rolling countryside and is located on the South West Coast Path.
Designs for the scheme were drawn up by Nash Partnership and shaped through extensive consultation with the local community. The main Arts & Crafts building will be re-modelled into 16 one-, two- and three-bed apartments. In addition, four new four-bed detached homes will be built on the valley sides, their green roofs and dark timber cladding integrating with the wooded backdrop. Local materials including slate, timber and stone will be used. A new café and a newly formatted car park will open up access to the wider grounds of the site and run by the National Trust, providing the local community with better access to the coastline.
On the site, a significant increase in biodiversity will be achieved by new planting, sustainable drainage and the creation of a large meadow area. Invasive species will be removed and culverts will be opened to create new streams and planted banks.
Commenting on the scheme, Nash Partnership’s Director of Design John Everett said: “The start of construction is an important milestone for any project but it’s especially significant here, after many years of engagement on the proposals. The site is in a beautiful location that will benefit hugely from our client’s sensitive approach – we can’t wait to see the first homes emerge.”
Construction work on site is expected to start in summer 2024.
