UP to £9.5 million will be spent over the next two years to deliver Minehead’s first new council houses for a generation, with work starting next month, a Somerset West and Taunton council spokesman confirmed this week.

The 54 zero-carbon homes will be built on council-owned land on Seaward Way, near the recently-completed Snazaroo and Toolstation business units.

Christopher Brown, the council’s assistant director of housing property, said the contract would help to meet the high demand across the district for low-cost housing.

He added: “Our business plan includes the development of 1,000 new homes over the next 30 years. The district has significant demand for affordable homes, with a current target of 264 units per year.

“Our new builds complement the affordable homes delivered though housing association partners.

“We have made a commitment to ensure that sites are all low carbon and energy efficient, but also exploring the most of technological and design innovations.”

Of the £9.5 million set aside for the scheme – which includes an employer’s contingency – 40 per cent of the money will come from the sale of existing council houses through the right to buy scheme.

A further £470,000 will be provided through grants from the Hinkley Point C construction programme, with the council providing £58,204 from its own reserves and the remainder - just over £5.17 million - will be borrowed.

The spokesman added: “In line with our declaration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, the homes will be zero carbon in use.

“Local people in housing need living in or having connections to Minehead will have priority in obtaining one of these innovative homes for rent.”

The Seaward Way development forms part of a pledge by the council to deliver about 300 new affordable homes across the district over the next two years.

Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter