Watchet to Benefit from 33 New Affordable Homes
Summerfield Homes have started building a brand new mixed development of affordable homes for local people to rent and buy in Watchet. The site at Churchill Way is set to meet an identified need for 33 new two- and three-bedroom homes in the attractive historic port.
Work is already underway on Summerfield’s ‘My Home’ brand, which will deliver 18 properties for local people on average local incomes to buy at more affordable prices than open market homes.
The homes cost between £105,000 and £124,500 and are aimed at local people with an established five-year connection with the town and a gross household income of less that £35,000.
Richard Nicol from Summerfield Homes said: “We have worked closely with West Somerset Council for a number of years to establish what Summerfield, as a private developer, can do to help meet the housing needs of local people.
“This development is proving incredibly popular, with four plots having been reserved off-plan already. It goes to show that there is a real need for affordable housing of this type within West Somerset.”
The Churchill Way development will be the second project Summerfield Homes has built under the ‘My Home’ scheme in West Somerset. Hayfield Close in Alcombe, Minehead, was the first. It also proved a hit with local people looking to secure affordable homes to buy or rent.
Cllr Keith Turner, West Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “Summerfield Homes has made a very welcome addition to the Council's Affordable Housing Group and it has added a new dimension to the delivery of affordable housing within the district.
“There is always a long lead-in time to developments, particularly those which involve affordable housing, where lots of work takes place behind the scenes. It is always exciting when the construction phase begins, and we are delighted to see the development of these much-needed homes get under way.”
Summerfield Homes are hoping that the development will be completed by this autumn. Registered social landlord Magna West Somerset Housing will let the remaining 15 homes at affordable rents. It is anticipated that work to build these homes will start shortly.
People interested in the low cost homes to buy should contact Wilkie May and Tuckwood at their offices in Swain Street, Watchet, on 01984 634793.
Local people wanting to register for an affordable home to buy or rent can contact Heather Crockford, the Council’s Housing Enabler, for further information.