Historic moment as first residents move in at Sherford

- 10 May 17

Sherford, Devon's newest town, has officially welcomed its first residents, with two sets of homeowners having moved to the new community, marking one of the biggest milestones in the development's two-decade history. Receiving the keys to their brand-new homes, the new residents were welcomed by members of the Sherford Consortium over the bank holiday weekend.

Sharing their excitement on moving day, the new residents, Eliana and Chris, began their new lives as the founding members of the new community. One resident, Chris Taylor has just moved into a new two-bedroom Bovis Home, relocating from nearby Elburton. 

Chris said: "It is so exciting to be one of the first people to live at Sherford! We've heard lots about the development and kept seeing it in the newspaper. It is fantastic to be making a fresh start in a new community and it will be amazing to watch it grow - especially when I get to meet my neighbours."

Moving in on the same day into a new three bedroom Sherford home, Eliana Griffiths said: "I have been looking for a house for a long time, and then I discovered Sherford. I absolutely love the location, especially as it is near the beaches and so close to Plymouth. Sherford will have everything I need on my doorstep, and I am excited about being part of a new community."

With over 600 homes being constructed in the first phase, the residents are also the first members of the Community Trust. Every resident will form part of the Community Trust, a not-for-profit group that will eventually have significant responsibility in the management of the new town, enhancing life at Sherford and meeting the needs of all those who live there.

The Sherford Consortium, the network of homebuilders responsible for the new community - Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey - has worked with some of the South West's finest architects, designers and craftsmen to ensure Sherford residents will benefit from high quality, stunning new homes. On its completion, 12,000 residents will call Sherford 'home'. 

Wayne Bennett, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Bovis Homes, said: "Welcoming the first residents to Sherford is a hugely significant moment in the history of the development, and we are proud to have reached this point. Sherford's first residents will be able to watch it grow into a thriving community, complete with businesses, shops, facilities and parks - all within a short distance of their homes."

Deputy leader for Plymouth City Council, Patrick Nicholson said: "This is what all the years of planning and negotiations has been about - providing somewhere for people to live in a new, planned community on the edge of Plymouth. It's a great day for the planners, the construction companies, the contractors, the developers, architects and nature experts who have been working to ensure this exciting new settlement is balanced and is in keeping with the stunning countryside of the South Hams."

Chairman of the Sherford Project Board, and Head of Paid Service at South Ham District Council, Steve Jorden said: "South Hams is delighted to see the first residents move into Sherford. We have been waiting for this day for over 20 years. In that time, our Councillors have been working very closely with the consortium and we are all excited to see the new community come to life."