Fifteen new homes have been officially opened in Brent Knoll this week – with nine of them being affordable – to address the housing needs of local people priced out of the market.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Cllr Alan Bradford, Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council alongside local dignitaries, as pictured here.
The scheme, in Station Road, is called Bakers Field and is the product of a collaboration between Sedgemoor District Council’s Housing Development Team, Brent Knoll Parish Council, developer EG Carter and the Willow Tree Housing Partnership.
Back in 2017, a steering group including parish councillors, set about identifying and supporting the clear need for additional village homes that local people could afford.
A district council spokesman says: “This group worked tirelessly to secure the opportunity that led to the construction of this great development.”
“The scheme has attracted funding from both Homes England funding and Sedgemoor District Council.”
“Construction work started in early March 2020 and will be occupied by local residents this autumn.”
Cllr Alan Bradford, Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, adds: “Very well done to all those who worked together to make sure that nine local families who have a strong connection with the parish have the chance to get an affordable home in Brent Knoll.”
Among the first occupants are Aron and Amelia Owens, who are moving into a 3-bed affordable home at the site. Amelia says: “We have lived in the village for 20 years and are keen to stay local – it’s great that these affordable, spacious, well designed homes are available.”
Sedgemoor District Council used a unique local plan planning policy to allow the construction of affordable homes and open market homes to generate the subsidy to cross subsidise six affordable homes.
The Council also provided £170,000 to the scheme in order to support the provision of a further three affordable homes to help more local residents who find themselves priced out of Brent Knoll’s housing market.
