E G Carter & Co Ltd welcomes residents to new homes in time for Christmas

16 families in Midsomer Norton will celebrate Christmas in brand new homes this year, thanks to the completion of a 100% affordable housing development by E G Carter & Co Ltd and partner Curo housing association.

Curo has last week welcomed residents at its regeneration scheme of 16 new affordable homes at St Chad’s Green in Midsomer Norton. The occasion was marked with a Christmas lights switch-on ceremony attended by the new residents, Town Mayor Michael Evans and ward councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers.

Construction of the 15 homes with two, three and four bedrooms and a one-bed flat started in February this year; all homes are now occupied, with 12 being let on affordable rent and 4 sold through the low-cost homeownership scheme, Shared Ownership.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “It’s fantastic to see the new residents move to high quality, safe and secure homes in time for Christmas and we wish them a very warm welcome. This scheme is a great example of how housing associations can address the changing housing needs of an area by working in partnership with local authorities and central government.”

The new homes were created in partnership with Homes England and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) who provided grant funding of £480,000 and £200,000 respectively, topping up Curo’s investment of almost £2 million.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, welcomed the new development saying “I am delighted that the Council was able to help Curo deliver these much needed homes in Midsomer Norton through the use of our Affordable Housing capital funding. The delivery of affordable homes is a key priority for the Council and we are particularly pleased when a housing association like Curo can bring forward developments that are 100% affordable housing”.

Ward Councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers, has been involved in the development since its inception and says: "It’s great to meet the new residents and see how providing good quality affordable homes in the right locations can positively impact the community and people’s lives. The families I’ve met today will benefit from these modern new homes well into the future.”

Alongside new homes, the regeneration project also enabled E G Carter Co Ltd to deliver enhancements for two existing bungalows at St Chad's Green, with the provision of dedicated parking and solar panels, benefiting existing customers.

Phillip Barnes, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd said: “We are pleased to have partnered with Curo Housing Association and other key partners to deliver these homes. These new homes are not only built to the highest quality but also provide much needed homes for residents with strong connections to the village of Midsomer Norton. We are looking forward to seeing these homes make a difference and wish all of the residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

Daniel Young is one of the new shared owners at St Chad’s Green. He’s 32 years old and works as a machine operator for a local company producing medical packages. Daniel has been living with his parents while saving up for a deposit to buy a place of his own. He says: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Curo have built these homes here. It enabled me to stay close to my parents if they need me, but also to invest in my own future, get on the property ladder and have my independence. I think young people today have to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to buy a home, especially if they choose to do so on their own - Shared Ownership is a great way of taking that first step on the housing ladder. I look forward to inviting my friends around for the local cricket club’s New Year’s Eve firework display – I now have the best view in town from my back garden.”