Portus Supported Housing has expanded supported housing provision in Devon

Portus Supported Housing has expanded its supported housing provision with West Banbury Cottages, a specialist scheme in Devon supporting people with high learning difficulties and complex needs.

Portus Supported Housing has expanded its supported housing provision with West Banbury Cottages, a specialist scheme in Devon supporting people with high learning difficulties and complex needs.

Located near the village of Broadwoodwidger in Torridge, the 23-person scheme has a long history and was previously used as holiday cottages before later becoming a registered care home. The site was originally converted from a farm believed to date back several hundred years.

Set within five acres of land on the Devon and Cornwall border, the scheme includes extensive recreational space and its own park area for residents. Significant investment has already taken place to modernise the cottages and facilities, helping create a long-term, supportive environment designed to promote independence and quality of life.

The scheme is currently home to 12 residents who were supported by the previous owners. Devon County Council remains the commissioning authority, while care services continue to be delivered by Bornel Care, which has operated at West Banbury for a number of years and remains in place following the acquisition.

Tom Hodgson, Managing Director of Portus Supported Housing, said: “West Banbury Cottages is a fantastic scheme with a strong reputation for providing high-quality support in a safe and welcoming environment.

“The combination of specialist accommodation, extensive outdoor space and an established care model creates a setting where people can live as independently as possible while receiving the support they need.

“We are pleased to be working alongside Devon County Council and Bornel Care to support the long-term future of the scheme. Importantly, we are building on what is already there, in particular, the relationships, expertise and sense of community that has developed over many years.

“The move reflects Portus Supported Housing’s commitment to providing safe spaces for independent living and investing in homes that can deliver long-term positive outcomes for customers.”

A Bornel Care spokesperson said: “Bornel is incredibly proud of the service we deliver at West Banbury Cottages. The site provides a home for individuals with complex autism, offering an environment that is thoughtfully designed to promote wellbeing, independence and quality of life. The extensive grounds and supportive setting create the space and stability needed for residents to thrive in independent living.

“We are pleased to share the next step in the development of this service through our partnership with Portus Housing Association. This collaboration helps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service by working alongside a registered housing provider.

 “Importantly, this partnership also supports the clear separation of care and housing roles -  a fundamental principle in delivering high-quality, person-centred support.”