E G Carter & Curo get the go-ahead for 16 new affordable homes

The existing buildings at St Chads are vacant and will be demolished and replaced with 15 houses with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms and a one-bedroom apartment. Demolition works are expected to begin in June 2018 and will last approximately 3-4 months. Curo anticipates completion of the development in late 2019.

All of the new homes at St Chads will be available through affordable rent or to buy via the low cost home ownership scheme Shared Ownership. Affordable rents are usually around 80% of the local market rent; in Midsomer Norton, the average affordable rent for a 3-bed property currently sits at just under £155 per week.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re working hard to build more affordable homes in B&NES and we’re delighted that our plans for St Chads were approved by planning officers.

“We’re always looking for opportunities and partnerships that will enable us to deliver more affordable homes for local people. Social housing doesn’t just mean subsidised rent, it also offers secure long-term tenancies for customers, enabling them to put down roots and build a life in a stable home.”

The new homes will be delivered by Curo in partnership with Homes England who provided funding of £480,000 and B&NES, who have awarded a further £200,000 grant.

Cllr Paul Myers, Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration and ward councillor for Midsomer Norton, says: “The redevelopment scheme will provide much needed affordable new homes in the town for families currently on the Council’s waiting list and will also help local people to take a first step on the housing ladder with Shared Ownership.

“We’re pleased to support this scheme by committing £200,000 to it from the Council’s affordable homes capital budget, along with the further £480,000 subsidy from Homes England.

“We welcome considerate developments designed with local need in mind and I look forward to seeing the new homes at St Chads taking shape and welcoming their residents over the next 18 months.”

Curo has appointed local construction firm and Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) founding members, E G Carter & Co, to build the new homes. The works will be carried out following the Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice over and above standard industry requirements and promote good neighbourly relations between developers and residents during building works.

The CCS principles include: Care about Appearance, Respect the Community, Protect the Environment, Secure everyone’s Safety and Value the Workforce.

Victor comments: “The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a fantastic way of delivering new homes in a thoughtful manner and positively contributing to the communities we work in.”