THE first new council homes to be built in West Somerset for 30 years will shortly start to become visible.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is building 54 social rented houses, flats, and chalet bungalows in what will be a zero-carbon development.

The one, two, three, and four-bedroom properties beside the community hospital in Seaward Way, Minehead, will be known as Rainbow Way.

SWT housing portfolio holder Cllr Fran Smith said piling work on the site was now complete and the brick work of the new homes would soon become visible above ground.

SWT said the development would showcase the latest innovations in environmentally-friendly construction and design, and incorporate comprehensive data to benchmark energy and carbon use.

They will include a number of fully wheelchair-accessible properties, have low energy bills, and affordable rents which will be 60 to 80 per cent below normal market rates.

The £9.5 million development was started in January and is due to be completed by the autumn of next year.

SWT is currently preparing a lettings policy for the estate.