RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the first new council houses to be built in Minehead for over 30 years.

A budget for the 54 zero carbon rented homes at Rainbow Way – off Seaward Way – has been approved by Somerset West and Taunton council and it is hoped work will start this summer.

Local residents have until January 15 to air their views on the proposals. Their comments will be taken into consideration when a planning application is submitted for the two-year-build.

The ‘green homes’ scheme will include ten two-bedroom houses, seven three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses, along with 17 one-bed and 15 two-bed apartments. There will also be a wheelchair-adapted two-bed apartment, and two wheelchair-adapted chalet bungalows. The apartments will all have balconies, some with sea views, and there will be a play area in the centre of the development.

The homes will be built using the latest innovations in environmentally friendly construction and design, making them very energy efficient. The site will be fossil fuel free, with hot water and central heating supplied primarily using on-site renewable sources. Charge points for electric vehicles will also be provided.

Executive member for housing Cllr Fran Smith said: “SWT has committed to delivering 1,000 new homes across the district over the next 30 years, providing more housing to suit different members of the community.

“The development at Minehead is one of our first social rented housing schemes in the area for many years.

“I would urge anyone with an interest to have their say and help us shape this exciting development of affordable and energy-efficient housing which will make a real difference to the quality of life for some of our residents.”

The consultation can be found at www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/consultations

There will be further opportunity to comment through the usual planning process when the planning application is submitted.