NEW council housing will be provided in a growing West Somerset village as an extension to an existing development.

Strongvox Homes has completed its 109-home Cricketers Farm estate, north of the A39 in Nether Stowey.

Since then, it has been given planning permission to build a further 58 homes to the north of the estate.

Now, Somerset Council has reached a £3.4 million agreement with Tilia Homes Ltd for 23 of the extra homes to be council properties, all of which will be offered for social rent to local people.

Tilia Homes will deliver all the 58 homes after buying the site from Strongvox earlier this year.

The local authority will fund the new council houses through borrowing and right-to-buy receipts, with a small contribution from the Hinkley Point C mitigation fund.

Homes in Somerset housing development specialist Shane Smith said: “The development forms part of a larger scheme with the remaining homes being private.

“The addition of these council homes will increase Somerset Council’s stock holdings and contribute to the growth and regeneration of the Nether Stowey settlement, bringing inward investment to the rural area.

“By progressing this scheme, Somerset Council demonstrates its commitment to the Government’s agenda for increasing affordable housing supply, tackling homelessness, and supporting sustainable, inclusive communities.

“The project will contribute to the council’s ambition to create vibrant places for residents, support economic growth, and deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet current and future needs.

“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.”

The new council houses will be a mix of 15 one-bedroom flats, four three-bedroom houses, and four four-bedroom houses.

They will be delivered by early 2028 and offered to local residents through the Homefinder website.