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Plans Approved For Somerset Eco Homes

Posted: 08/09/2006

An innovative scheme to build affordable eco homes for low income families in West Somerset looks set to flourish after a revised plan for 30 units, of which 20 will be affordable homes to rent or buy, was approved by the council recently. The project will be developed in partnership with the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development, a charity set up by local people to promote sustainable construction and design. The remainder will be for sale on the open market.

The council is buying the site, at Carhampton, which has an existing planning permission for 25 homes, from the Crown. The purchase of land is being funded from the sale of a car park. The site will be developed by a community land trust, which enables land to be taken into the ownership of the local community and managed by a board of local people including parish councillors.

The homes will be built to green specifications. Houses will incorporate low or zero carbon energy sources, and solar power will be harnessed where possible to maximise energy efficiency. Water conservation will be a priority, as will keeping household waste to a minimum. Local tradespeople will build the houses, and sustainable construction materials and techniques will be used.

The forward looking councillors regard the scheme as a historic milestone for Carhampton and West Somerset, providing an opportunity to develop an exemplary housing scheme and lead the way in sustainable building. They hope the project will show local people that they can have influence over development in their village, and that this could spur similar developments in neighbouring communities.

Anyone wanting to live in one of the new homes will need to have lived in the area for 10 out of the last 20 years or be able to demonstrate 10 years connection to the district, have a total household income below £25,000 and be able to secure a mortgage. Preference will be given to buyers living in the village, town or parish where the properties are available.

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