CUT-PRICE starter homes for young people are to be built on brownfield sites in Minehead and other parts of West Somerset as part of a new Government scheme, it was announced this week.

West Somerset Council is one of 30 local authorities that have made a successful bid to build new homes for first-time buyers aged between 23 and 40 at a discount of at least 20 per cent below market value.

The council will work closely with the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which plans to build 15,000 starter homes on surplus public sector land as part of a £1.7 billion Starter Homes Land Fund programme.

A council spokesman told the Free Press: “We look forward to building on our excellent working relationship with the HCA, who will manage the fund.

“We have earmarked a number of sites in West Somerset where development which already has planning permission has stalled or where our recently adopted local plan has earmarked land to bring forward new homes.

“HCA already has purchased a site in Minehead and we look forward to working with them to provide new homes in the near future.

“Our bid included funds to help unlock the sites through master-planning, viability work and land assembly.”

The spokesman added: “This is good news for our local young people. Affordable and accessible housing has long been a priority for the council and the success of this bid will help more of our residents get on to the first rung of the housing ladder.”

Housing Minister Gavin Barwell confirmed on Wednesday that construction of the first starter homes on brownfield sites was due to begin this year.

“This first wave of partnerships shows a strong local interest to build thousands of starter homes on hundreds of brownfield sites in the coming years,” he said.

“One in three councils has expressed an interest to work with us so far.

“These new developments will also support the wider growth and regeneration of local areas including some town-centre sites and make sure that this is a country which works for everyone.”

West Somerset Council’s successful bid was made jointly with Taunton Deane and Sedgemoor councils.