MP for Exeter visits award-winning Alphington development

A local MP has paid a visit to a new housing development in Exeter to see progress on-site and meet the people who are bringing high-quality new homes to the city.

Exeter MP, Steve Race, visited David Wilson Redrow South West’s St Michael's Meadow development in Alphington to tour the site, meet members of the construction team and hear more about how the housebuilder is supporting skills, sustainability and housing delivery in the area.

He met Roy Taylor, the site manager at St Michael’s Meadow, who recently scooped a prestigious Seal of Excellence award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). The awards, which assess site managers on leadership, attention to detail, consistency, and health and safety, recognise the very best in housebuilding with Roy’s achievement, placing him among the top-performing site managers in the country.

Race also spoke to two local carpentry apprentices about their training and career progression within the housebuilding industry. Gaining valuable on-site experience, the apprentices are helping to deliver Redrow’s Eco Electric homes as part of the company’s commitment to develop local construction skills and supporting employment. Homes feature air source heat pumps, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient designs that help reduce bills and carbon emissions.

Steve Race MP said: “It was great to visit St Michael’s Meadow and meet the team delivering these much-needed new homes for Exeter. Roy’s Seal of Excellence award is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the quality and care going into this development. It also gives assurance to buyers that they’re investing in a home built to the highest standards. I was also pleased to meet the local carpentry apprentices and hear about the skills they’re developing on-site.”

Ralph Hawkins, managing director for David Wilson Redrow South West, added: “It was a privilege to welcome Steve Race MP to St Michael’s Meadow and showcase the excellent work being delivered by Roy and the wider team. From high-quality, energy-efficient homes to apprenticeships and investment in local infrastructure, we were pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our commitment to supporting communities in Exeter.”

St Michael’s Meadow is a development of 206 three and four bedroom homes, including 61 affordable properties. The site, which received planning permission in 2022 and launched in late 2023, welcomed its first residents at the start of 2024, with a new phase of development due to begin later this year.

The development will also deliver significant investment into Exeter through Section 106 contributions, including £1.1 million to support education services, £780,000 for road improvements and £360,500 to improve transport links.