Work starts this week on a landmark housing development at Seaton seafront, a developer has announced. 

Seaton Quay Limited, begins enabling work at the site on Harbour Road this week. 

The 90-unit housing development will consist of three and four bed houses; two bed apartments; and two, three-bed, pent house apartments with sea and harbour views. 

Director of Seaton Quay Limited, Edward Rich, said: “We are delighted to announce the start of our development project at this important gateway site in Seaton.  

“This is a significant investment in Seaton with a gross development value of about £45million. 

“We are determined to create outstanding homes and a superb environment, providing a boost to Seaton and adding to the regeneration of the town.  

“We hope this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the community.” 

He added: “We are grateful for the support we have received from many local stakeholders, including the planning authorities, local councillors and the previous landowners.” 

Phase one of the development will begin shortly after the enabling works are completed and will include the construction of 28 three and four bed houses at the north of the site and seven apartments, including a glass-fronted penthouse with outdoor balcony areas.  

Phase two consists of the construction of 55 apartments, including 47 large, two-bed apartments; four, two-bed duplex apartments; two, three-bed penthouse apartments; and two architecturally striking ‘round houses’ with curved walls and accommodation split over three floors.   

The majority of the properties will have views over either Axmouth Harbour and its marina or the River Axe, including the wetlands, which is a place of special scientific interest. 

As part of the development, Seaton Quay Limited will be building a three-metre wide public walkway and cycle path from Harbour Road along the River Axe front. 

Mr Rich added: “We have put in place a highly experienced project management and professional team and have secured both internal and external funding to ensure the successful completion of the project.” 

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council EDDC and portfolio holder for Strategic Planning, said: “For many years, Seaton people have shown great patience towards this derelict site in a prime location. It is welcome news that the early steps are now being taken to deliver on the existing planning consent."  

EDDC ward members for Seaton, Marcus Hartnell, Dan Ledger and Jack Rowland, added: “This is great news that after a long hiatus that the new owners are intent on developing this brownfield site in accordance with the previously agreed planning approval. 

“The site is at one of the main approaches to Seaton, overlooking the harbour and close to the seafront. The development of this site will hopefully act as a positive sign to bring other investment into the town to help the local economy, especially in the current difficult times.” 

A representative of The Axe Riverside Company Ltd, which was instrumental in purchasing the site and then obtaining and implementing the planning permission, said: “We are delighted that Seaton Quay Ltd have purchased the site from us, and will be taking the development forward. They are an experienced and professional delivery team, and will do a good job.  

“The site is in a prime gateway location and important for the future of Seaton. We feel the town is well placed for further progression and improvement in the future.”