A SCHEME involving a total of 54 zero-carbon affordable homes in Seaward Way, Minehead – the first council homes to be built in West Somerset for 30 years – was given the go-ahead by a special virtual Somerset West and Taunton council meeting on Tuesday.

To be known as ‘Rainbow Way’, the development, next to Minehead community hospital, will include a number of fully wheelchair-accessible properties. Councillors were told that tenants will benefit from low energy bills and affordable rents set between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of market rates.

The development will showcase the latest innovations in environmentally friendly construction and design, and will incorporate comprehensive data to benchmark energy and carbon use.

Homes will be fossil fuel free and hot water and central heating will be supplied from on-site renewable sources. Charge points for electric vehicles will also be provided.

A council spokesman said: “Based on the housing need for Minehead, the scheme mix proposed for Seaward Way includes houses, flats and chalet bungalows, with adapted options for disabled residents. A play area space will also be included.

“Funding has been secured as part of a Section 106 agreement with EDF and developer contributions for affordable housing at Ellicombe Meadow.”

Executive member for housing Cllr Fran Smith said: “We’re delighted to be able to take the next steps on our journey to reaching a net zero carbon district by converting these dilapidated and unused sites into inclusive, affordable and energy-efficient housing for our residents.

“The development proposed for Minehead will represent the first council homes to be built in West Somerset for over 30 years, and in the spirit of future growth and development, it will be named ‘Rainbow Way’.”

Cllr Smith said that after consultation and planning approval, the Seaward Way scheme would start in the summer of 2021 and be completed by the spring of 2023.