New affordable homes on the market

Affordable housing opportunities across the district are opening up for local people thanks to West Somerset Council’s Local Plan.

The Plan, which was adopted by the council last year, means that most housing developments underway in local towns or villages are likely to contain affordable homes to buy or rent.

Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Welfare, Cllr Peter Humber, said, “Because West Somerset has relatively few housing developments compared to other districts, every affordable home built as a result of our planning policy is important. We would like local people to register their interest in the current and future schemes, so that our new Local Development Framework (LDF) can take into account the future affordable housing needs.”

Current schemes include:

A one-bedroom flat at Clanville Grange, Minehead, is for sale under the council’s Discounted Purchase Scheme.

Five discounted homes in South Road, Watchet, are being sold by Evenrange Ltd.

A two bedroom flat in a converted house is for sale on a part-rent/part-buy basis at Old Cleeve.

Magna West Somerset is currently marketing a two-bedroom flat at Gilhams Close, Watchet

14 homes at Lonlay Meadow, Stogursey are for sale on a part-rent/part-buy basis

Cllr Humber added, “The council’s Local Plan dictates that developments over 15 units in Minehead, five in Watchet or Williton, or one unit elsewhere in the district, have an obligation to provide affordable housing as a condition of planning permission.

“The affordable housing element may be delivered by the council, the developer or by a housing association. All of these options should be explored by local people in need of affordable housing. To apply for low-cost home ownership local people need to register with Home2own, a one-stop shop for all low cost home ownership initiatives in the South West.”

In many cases, applicants will need to satisfy the council that they have a 10-year local connection with West Somerset and a gross household income of under £35,000.

However, exact requirements for each scheme may vary depending on the development. To register with Home2own go to home2own.org.uk or freephone 0800 975 1915. For further information on any of the current schemes or future opportunities please contact Heather Crockford on 01643 703704 or email hcrockford@westsomerset.gov.uk.