Barratt Developments delivers £87m boost to economy in Devon and Cornwall

Leading housebuilder Barratt Developments - which owns both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes - has delivered a £87 million boost to the local economy in Devon, Cornwall and the surrounding region over the past year.

During that period, the group built 383 new homes, including 85 affordable, and supported 1,360 jobs in the area. The company's construction work has also supported 570 supplier and sub-contractor businesses and provided 25 places for graduates, trainees and apprentices.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes spent £9m on physical works which benefit local communities including highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities and created 5.5 hectares of green space including public open space and private gardens. The five star housebuilder has contributed an additional £1.8m to help build new local facilities and infrastructure in and around its new developments through the Section 106 contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

As part of Barratt Developments' commitment to protecting the environment, 97% of construction waste has been diverted from landfill.

The housebuilder's work has generated £23m in tax to support local and national public services, whilst local shops and services saw a £6.5m boost in spending from residents of new homes, in turn supporting 60 retail and service-related jobs.

The achievements are documented in Barratt Development's latest Social Economic Footprint report which measures the housebuilder's social and economic contribution over the past year. The report includes measures relating to the company's support for the housebuilding supply chain, local communities, environment, public services and employment.

Ian Menham, West regional director for Barratt Developments said: "House building has the potential to positively impact many aspects of our society and economy and at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, we are committed to playing our part, particularly when the local area is facing such challenges due to the Covid pandemic.

"We are pleased to be able to continue our work during the current lockdown, helping to provide homes to meet known demand, keep the economy moving and create and support jobs. We are also generating economic value for the local area and wider country, building stronger communities and helping to safeguard the environment."