Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQs page dedicated to Benson Grange, our exciting new development in Witheridge. To ensure you have all the information you need readily available, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions, designed to assist both prospective residents and the local community.
We’ve aimed to cover a wide range of topics; however, you may have questions that extend beyond the scope of this document. If your specific query is not addressed here, please reach out via our online webform or email hellowitheridge@landgah.com, and we will endeavour to update this document accordingly.
We are committed to supporting the local community with any enquiries and assisting future residents with any questions they may have.
Who is L&G and L&G Affordable Homes?
Established in 1836, Legal & General (L&G) is a leading financial services group and major global investor, safeguarding people’s financial futures around the world.
L&G Affordable Homes was set up in 2019 to provide much needed affordable homes for customers who are priced out of private renting or buying on the open market. L&G Affordable Homes is a registered provider, which means we are regulated by the Government and are required to meet certain standards. We are committed to providing good quality homes, and pride ourselves on delivering excellent services to customers.
L&G Affordable Homes uses L&G’s pension funds to provide shared ownership and affordable rent properties and works closely with Local Councils and partners to help meet customer needs.
More locally, L&G own 54 properties within North Devon that include the affordable homes (11 dwellings) delivered on phase 1 of the Allison Homes development at Butts Close.
Who is Allison Homes?
Allison Homes is an SME (small and medium- sized enterprise) with offices in Peterborough, Castle Donnington and Tiverton. They work to provide houses for all whether that be through Registered Providers, build-to-rent companies or private purchasers i.e. quality new homes that are available to everyone. Allison Homes delivered the 65 homes that form phase 1 and will deliver the 155 dwellings on phase 2.
They are on track to build over 2,000 new homes per year by 2027, with an ambition that at least 500 each year will be delivered in partnership with housing providers and build-to-rent companies. For every home contracted through a partnership scheme, they will donate £100 to a local charity.
Who owns the site?
L&G Affordable Homes, who acquired the site in March 2024 from Allison Homes.
Allison Homes is the contractor, delivering all the homes for L&G Affordable Homes.
Are any Open Market Sale homes being delivered?
The planning application for Benson Grange is to deliver 42 affordable rent, 35 social rent and 78 shared ownership homes being delivered on site. L&G Affordable Homes deliver solely affordable housing across shared ownership, affordable and social rent tenures.
What are the benefits of additional housing in the area?
The creation of a new residential neighbourhood will provide benefits to new and existing residents.
The development of 155 new affordable homes will support local residents seeking to upsize or downsize, buy or rent a new home, with shared ownership and affordable rent options supporting first time buyers and those struggling to afford rent at market prices.
This will create a diverse and interconnected community, with doorstep access to green open spaces, and increased social and economic activity. The scheme is also sensitively designed with a high-quality material palette which responds to the character and feel of the existing community, ensuring integration into the existing landscape. Together, these measures will promote active and healthy lifestyles, community integration, and affordable living.
The development not only addresses the growing demand for housing but also has the potential to positively impact the local economy. By attracting new residents and businesses, the area will experience increased economic activity, supporting local services and creating job opportunities. The creation of new homes will also provide additional council tax revenue to be spent on services for the whole village.
We’ve heard that fewer garages are being delivered on site? Why is this?
Yes, L&G Affordable Homes and Allison Homes have come to a revised agreement to amend the number of garages being delivered.
Allison Homes on behalf of L&G Affordable Homes submitted a Non Material Amendment (NMA) planning application to amend the existing approval which was approved in January 2025.
The revised planning application included removing garages to some of the plots, as these are typically reflective of open market sale homes. Sales values have been established on a plot by plot basis, taking into account a number of factors such as orientation, garden size and sq ft area. Reducing the number of garages will make the homes more affordable for a wider range of purchasers.
There are 30 garages for the larger sized homes being delivered. All homes will have a private garden with garden storage provided.
What parking will each of the homes have?
Each plot will have at least one car parking space.
The 1 bedroom maisonettes and 1 bedroom houses have a minimum of one car parking space, 2 bedroom homes have two spaces, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes have either two car parking spaces or two car parking spaces and a garage. In addition to this, there are visitor spaces located across the site.
When will the homes be released for sale/occupied?
The first affordable rent homes have been advertised for rent, with the first occupants already taking place. Further homes will be advertised on the website link here: Search for properties | Devon home choice. The first new customers have now moved in, and others are due to move in shortly. As more rented homes are complete,d these will be advertised on Devon Home Choice.
The shared ownership homes will shortly be advertised through the Benson Grange website: Two, Three, Four & Five Bed Shared Ownership Houses and Bungalows in Benson Grange, Witheridge, Devon | Legal & General Affordable Homes.
You can sign up online for more information and be the first to hear when plots are released.
What sustainability measures will be included in the new housing units?
There are a range of features in the homes to enhance energy efficiency, including LED lighting, advanced insulation, smart meters, EV car charging points and energy-efficient appliances. The homes are provided with their heat and hot water through an Air Source Heat Pump, which provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution.
What is Social Rent?
Homes for social rent are typically well below market rent levels and set using an established formula based on local incomes, property values and the size of the property. This formula is set by Central Government and LGAH follow these principles when setting rents, taking into consideration factors such as local county earnings, average rents, and property size.
On average new let, a social rented home is often much lower than the current market rent and because of this is affordable to most households. will be advertised to Devon Home Choice applicants, where applicants will be able to bid on the homes.
What is Affordable Rent?
Affordable rent homes have rents set at no more than 80% of the local market rent. This helps those who are priced out of private renting and often struggle to secure other housing options.
With all rental homes that LGAH deliver, they work with Devon Home Choice to advertise available properties and their allocation team to ensure any eligibility for the homes are met. The proposed affordable rent homes on this development would be available to applicants within the Devon Home Choice register and the neighbouring district.
Also, as LGAH are regulated by Government, they can only consider an annual rent increase once a year and need to follow guidelines set by Government which tells us how much they can increase rents by.
What is Shared Ownership?
Shared ownership supports those who are unable to purchase a property on the open market. It is particularly common for first-time buyers, growing families, or other individuals who want to get on the property ladder affordably.
With shared ownership, you buy a percentage of a property – usually between 10% and 75% of the total open market value – then pay rent on the remaining portion, with the option to increase your share at a later date. Shared ownership is a way to purchase your own property, without the high deposit of purchasing outright.
This buying scheme was created to help people get on the property ladder, set against the backdrop of an acute shortage of affordable housing in the UK. A Shared ownership home is available to purchasers who don’t own any other property at the time of legal completion, they are unable to find a suitable home on the open market, and do not have a household income higher than £80,000 per annum.
Future Shared Ownership Sales
Customers who may have staircased to 100% ownership can sell their home directly on the open market.
Customers who still only own a share of their home can resell their home at any time. There is a marketing period set out of 4 weeks whereby LGAH try to find a new Shared Ownership buyer, if after this time no buyer has been found, the property can be sold on the open market with 100% ownership offered.
What is the L&G community fund initiative and how do I apply?
L&G are contributing £15,500 towards community projects in the village of Witheridge. We will donate £100 for each affordable home built at Benson Grange, creating a fund to support local events, organisations, charities, or groups and make a long-term difference for the local community.
The £15,500 fund will be available throughout 2025 for community organisations to apply for a variety of projects. L&G will collaborate with the community and local council to prioritise funding allocations that maximise community benefit.
For all the information and the online web form, please visit this part of our website.
How can I contact L&G Affordable Homes to find out more and ask a question?
L&G Affordable Homes is committed to providing updates to your questions. The best way for you to get in touch with us is via our online webform below or email hellowitheridge@landgah.com.
Fill out the form below, and our team will come back to you with a response.