MINEHEAD'S Seaward Way looks set for a multi-million project to build new affordable homes and commercial buildings.

West Somerset Council's cabinet voted in favour of the project which is planned for land along from the Premier Inn site.

The Council has seen previous plans for housing only on the land fall through, but now plans have been created for up to 35 affordable homes, a large warehouse, a light industrial unit, car parking and access.

Cllr Keith Turner, portfolio holder for housing, said: "This is an exciting proposal for a mixed development on land at Seaward Way.

"It must be one of the most marketed bits of land in West Somerset, a number of times plans have unfortunately failed to come to fruition.

"But I really think this is quite exciting - a win, win, win situation. We know there is a need for affordable housing within Minehead and the commercial development will not only create much-needed jobs but free up other units within the town."

Much of the detail of the plan, regarding developers and possible occupants for the commercial promises, was commercially sensitive and thus discussed in a closed session, but prior to that, a number of councillors welcomed the proposal.

Cllr Karen Mills said: "It has been frustrating that it has taken until now to find a project that is deliverable,but I am so pleased we now have something on the table. It is our most significant piece of land and I am delighted that we will be able to help in two key areas."

With this recommendation the proposal will now go before West Somerset's full council on Wednesday, September 20.

The hope is that once legal details have been agreed and contracts drawn up, a consultation with take place around November or December this year, with a view to work starting on site in Spring 2018 with an aim of completion in the Autumn of 2018.

The council has recommended that the land is sold to local housing provider, identified for a residential scheme of the eastern half of the site, and that '£2.982m is added to the council's capital programme for this scheme, to be funded by external borrowing, to pay for the costs of planning, development, construction and professional fees'.