A new Council housing development – the first in West Somerset for a generation – has been officially opened.
All 54 of the eco-friendly homes in Rainbow Way, Minehead, a mix of 33 flats and 21 houses, are let and occupied by local people with strong connections to the area.
The site off Seaward Way was identified by the former Somerset West and Taunton Council and progressed to completion by Somerset Council and Homes in Somerset, the Council’s housing development delivery partner.
Cllr Federica Smith Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, said: “We are all delighted to celebrate the opening of the Seaward Way/Rainbow Way development, a landmark moment for Minehead, bringing high quality zero-carbon homes to Somerset which residents deserve.”
Demand for the homes was shown at open day events held while the properties were being built. Our local lettings policy means that the homes were allocated to people with deep connections to the area.
The opening ceremony on Wednesday, 14 January was also attended by Somerset Council’s Leader Bill Revans who said:
“The Seaward Way development opening marks the first council homes to come to the town in 30 years. This is a huge achievement by everyone involved, bringing the types of home to the area that residents can be proud of.”
A resident from Shell House in Rainbow Way, said: “I’m so glad I found my flat at Rainbow Way. It felt like home from the moment I walked in. The affordability was a game-changer for me, especially after dealing with rising costs in private renting.”
Duncan Harvey, Head of Housing Growth and Regeneration at Homes in Somerset, said:
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the completion of this impressive new council housing project. Homes in Somerset is proud to have worked alongside Somerset Council to bring forward high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet local need.
“Today’s success underlines our shared ambition to deliver more energy-efficient, affordable council owned homes across Somerset, creating great places, supporting local jobs and skills and improving residents’ health and wellbeing.
We look forward to continuing this partnership with Somerset Council as they advance their ambitious housebuilding programme, helping to turn strategic commitments into real homes for Somerset people.”
The homes were built by Classic Builders and funded through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Homes England Grant Funding, Right to Buy receipts and developer contributions.