A NEW £7.5 million deal signed off with developers by Somerset Council could see 48 new social homes built in Cannington.

‘Affordable rented’ homes would be part of a 160-property estate off Brymore Way for which Strongvox Homes hopes to obtain planning permission.

The new estate homes would range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with the first properties expected to be completed and occupied by April, 2028, if consent is given.

The council is committed to delivering 580 new council houses across Somerset by April, 2030, with much of the provision focused on towns and villages near the M5 motorway corridor.

Housing officer Wendy Lewis told councillors: “The addition of these council homes will increase the council’s housing stock holding and contribute to the growth and regeneration of Cannington, bringing inward investment to the rural area.

“Our officers are confident the scheme will be delivered within the approved budget.”

Ms Lewis said a ‘local lettings plan would ensure people with a connection to Cannington, such as having family living there or who work locally, were prioritised for the new homes via the authority’s Homefinder system.

She said: “Somerset faces significant housing challenges, particularly in communities where affordability issues are acute and local people are often priced out of the housing market.

“This scheme brings new council homes to a part of the county that has been affected by the Hinkley Point C development, which has taken rented sector properties and increased rental prices.

“A local lettings plan will be implemented for these homes, ensuring that eligibility criteria are met and that allocations reflect the specific needs of the Cannington community.”

Strongvox intends to deliver the new development’s open market housing, while the affordable homes would be provided by Tilia Homes, which is currently delivering new council housing on the Cricketers Farm site in nearby Nether Stowey.