Official opening for rare rural, affordable, rented homes in West Harptree

Bath & North East Somerset Council Chairman David Bellotti will be at an event to officially mark the completion of a new development, providing much-needed, affordable housing in West Harptree.

Councillor Bellotti will be joined by Trust Chair, John Bader, to view the properties. The local parish council has also actively supported the scheme and will be attending, along with around 20 other parish council chairs, who have been invited to find out how to make affordable rural housing happen.

Demand for this type of scheme is high as it allows local families to stay in the area, when they might otherwise be forced to move elsewhere, and all of the families that have moved in had a connection with the village in some way.

The development was made possible after Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Development Control Committee granted permission to build on an area of former grassland. Such exemptions from normal planning rules are very rare, but this was made a ‘rural exception site’ because of the high demand in the area for affordable rented homes. The plans received approval after a long process to find a suitable site within West Harptree, which is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The six two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes were built by contractors Halsall Construction, who received a high mark from the Considerate Constructors Scheme for the way they conducted the build. The properties have been finished to a very high standard, and are partially clad with local stone. The homes also meet the Building Research Establishment’s ‘Very Good’ Eco Homes standard, which rates the sustainability of a development, including its energy efficiency, recycling possibilities and how close it is to local amenities and public transport.

John Bader, Chair of Somer Community Housing Trust, said:

‘This is a good example of how we can help build sustainable communities. Doing so in a rural setting is an even greater challenge, but by being determined and working closely with councils and local people, we can deliver much-needed affordable housing where it is most wanted. We want to send the message that it is possible and the Trust is keen to be involved.’

Councillor Vic Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Housing at Bath & North East Somerset Council, is due to speak at the event and said:

‘Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to have joint-funded this project in partnership with Somer Community Housing Trust and the Housing Corporation. This is the first scheme of its kind to be developed in the life of this local authority in that it promotes the sustainability of a rural community. Improving the availability of affordable housing is one of the Council’s key priorities. It is also excellent news that these homes meet high environmentally-friendly standards, therefore tackling the causes and effects of climate change.’

Peter Wood, Chair of West Harptree Parish Council, said:

 ‘The Parish Council would like to thank Halsall and their staff for the excellent way in which they have carried out the development of the new houses. The scheme after 12 years of struggle has now been completed and looks superb.  Comments from inside and outside of the village say how good it all looks.

Joint funding for the development came from Bath and North East Somerset Council, the Housing Corporation and Somer Community Housing Trust, which owns the properties. The homes are being let at affordable rents to people with a local connection to West Harptree who must be registered with Homesearch and have been identified as being in housing need. Homesearch administers the Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Waiting list for affordable housing.

Somer Housing Group is always looking for development land to meet the continuing, high demand for such homes. To discuss this further, please contact Hayley Austin, Development Manager, on 01225 366311.