Work starts on new affordable homes in Bridgwater

Over the next 40 weeks, the site will be transformed to provide four, three bed houses and sixteen, two bed houses all for rent.

Duncan Harvey, Affordable Housing Policy and Development Manager at Sedgemoor District Council said “This scheme is an excellent example of how a brownfield site can be redeveloped to provide much-needed affordable housing. Providing affordable homes is an ongoing priority for the council and this project represents another significant step forward.

To achieve a start on site is amazing, and is a testament to the hard work and strength of our relationship with E G Carter and Liverty. We persevered, when many might have given up. Not only are we able to provide twenty modern affordable homes, but we are delighted with the associated regeneration impact and long term benefits a development such as this for individuals and the wider community. None of this would have been possible without the financial support from ourselves, Homes England, Liverty and funds from the EDFe Housing Fund.”

David Eccles, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at EDF Energy said “EDF Energy has provided a £5M fund to help local Councils generate additional accommodation, particularly affordable housing, that will offset the requirements of Hinkley Point C’s temporary workforce. We are pleased to see projects such the Black Horse development start and look forward to the day when local families move in to their new homes.”

Sharron Taylor, Development Manager from Liverty said: “This is a truly 100% affordable housing scheme. The once derelict site has been brought back to life by these 20 homes for affordable rent, bringing a renewed vibrancy to the area. We have worked closely with Carters and Sedgemoor Council on previous sites and this is another example of successful partnership working to bring much needed homes to the south west.”

Phil Barnes, Housing Manager at E G Carter & Co Ltd said: “We are delighted to have commenced this project having worked collaboratively with Liverty and Sedgemoor District Council to successfully purchase and secure planning permission for twenty much needed affordable homes. Completion of these homes will signify the 100^th affordable home delivered by E.G.Carter & Co Ltd in Sedgemoor since 2016 and we look forward to delivering many more.”

In March 2018, DCH and Knightstone merged to form Liverty, the south west’s largest housing association.

The ceremony provided an opportunity for all members of the design and construction team to celebrate what will be a prestigious project for all involved. Completion of the 20 new homes is expected near the end of 2018.