Nearly £4m to build 12 low-cost homes in Somerset village

The council has committed to delivering up to 580 new low-cost homes across Somerset by April 2030, either in-house or through existing commercial housing developments.

C & P. Developments (Wedmore) Ltd. secured planning permission in July 2024 to build 30 new homes on the B3139 Wells Road at the eastern edge of Wedmore, following four years of negotiations with the council's planning officers.

After 18 months of further negotiations, the council has now signed off on a deal worth nearly £4m which will see 12 new affordable homes delivered as part of this new estate - all of which will be prioritised for local residents.

The site lies on the main road between Highbridge and Wells, a short distance from the Mendip Scout Base and the village's allotments off Combe Lane.

Revised plans for 30 homes on the B3139 Wells Road in Wedmore (Image: Angus Meek Architects)

Under the approved plans, ten of the 30 planned properties would have been affordable - with a further four plots being set aside for self-build projects.

The funding to deliver these affordable homes (plus an additional two, taking the total to 12) was agreed within the council's housing revenue account budget in February, which is separate to its main revenue budget.

A total of £3,998,960 has been allocated to the project, with external borrowing being repaid through rental income and 'right to buy' receipts.

Shane Smith, development specialist at Homes in Somerset (which manages the council's existing housing) said in his written report: "The addition of these council homes will increase the council’s stock holdings and contribute to the growth and regeneration of the Wedmore settlement, bringing inward investment to the rural area.

"Allowances within the approved budget cover additional fees, contingency, and land tax, ensuring robust financial planning.

"Council officers are confident that the scheme will be delivered within the approved budget."

Wedmore has seen substantial interest from commercial housing developers over the last decade, with initial plans for a further 120 homes on Lascot Hill (at the northern edge of the village) clearing the first hurdle in March.

Mr Smith added: "Somerset faces significant housing challenges, particularly in rural communities where affordability issues are acute and local people are often priced out of the housing market.

"The delivery of 12 new council homes at Coombe Batch, Wedmore directly responds to the evidenced housing need in this area.

Proposed site of 30 homes on the B3139 Wells Road in Wedmore, pictured in July 2024 (Image: Google Maps)

"This scheme brings new council homes to a part of the county where there are currently none, providing much-needed affordable accommodation for local residents.

"By delivering homes at affordable rent, the scheme ensures that affordability is maintained and supporting to sustain vibrant rural communities."

Each of the homes will be offered at affordable rent (i.e. up to 80 per cent of the market rate), with the first properties expected to be completed and occupied by April 2028.