WORK has started on a West Somerset housing development which will deliver 58 new homes, 23 of them classed as ‘affordadble’.

A ground breaking ceremony attended by project partners was held by Tilia Homes, part of the untypical Group, to mark the official start of construction of Poets Garden, in Nether Stowey.

The development takes its name from the village’s rich literary heritage, having been home to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and widely recognised as the place where he and William Wordsworth developed the influential collection ‘Lyrical Ballads’.

It will deliver a mix of homes designed to meet a range of local housing needs, with nearly 40 per cent of the estate being ‘affordable’ to help more people and families remain in, or move to, the area.

Untypical regional managing director Ross Faragher said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see work get underway at Poets Garden.

“We are proud to be taking this positive step in addressing local housing need, delivering a significant proportion of affordable homes alongside high-quality, energy-efficient properties for local residents.”

Tilia is working in partnership with Homes in Somerset to deliver the development and ensure it responds to local housing demand.

Homes in Somerset project officer Alex Williams, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, said: “We are excited to mark the start of construction for these much-needed homes at Poets Garden.

“Homes in Somerset, together with Somerset Council and contractor Tilia Homes, are committed to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient properties that reflect local affordable housing need and help strengthen the community.

“This project stands as a fantastic example of collaboration and our shared ambition to provide homes that truly make a difference for local people.”

As part of untypical Group, Tilia is committed to creating sustainable communities which integrate sensitively with their surroundings.

Each Poets Garden home will be equipped with air source heat pumps and dedicated electric vehicle charging points, helping residents reduce energy consumption and supporting the transition to low-carbon living.

The development will also deliver significant environmental enhancements, including new planting along the eastern boundary, ornamental and herbaceous planting, and areas of wildflower grassland to support local pollinators.

Wildlife-friendly features have been incorporated throughout the site, including integrated bird boxes for species such as swifts and house sparrows.

Additional measures, including bug hotels, bee bricks, and wildlife-sensitive lighting will help support bats, bees, and hedgehogs across the site.

Mr Faragher said: “Modern housebuilding can, and must, work in harmony with the local environment.

“By integrating low-carbon technology alongside a comprehensive biodiversity strategy, we are creating a sustainable, nature-rich community that will benefit both residents and local wildlife.

“As work progresses, we remain committed to being considerate neighbours and maintaining open communication with the local community throughout construction.”

Untypical combines two housebuilding brands, Tilia and Hopkins Homes, and has its focus on ‘creating sustainable, inclusive communities, delivering homes across the UK that people want to live in and are good for the planet’.

More information about the Poets Garden homes can be obtained by emailing the Tilia Homes sales team at [email protected].