Somerset Council is investing nearly £4 million to build a dozen new affordable homes in the desirable village of Wedmore, aiming to address local housing needs in an area where average property prices reach around £600,000.
The council has committed to delivering up to 580 new low-cost homes across Somerset by April 2030, through both in-house projects and partnerships with commercial developers. One such development is on Wells Road at the eastern edge of Wedmore, where C & P. Developments (Wedmore) Ltd secured planning permission in July 2024 for 30 new homes after four years of negotiations with council planning officers.
Following a further 18 months of discussions, the council has approved a deal to increase the affordable housing component from ten to twelve homes within this estate, with all affordable units prioritised for local residents. The site, situated on the main road between Highbridge and Wells, is close to key village amenities such as the Mendip Scout Base and allotments off Combe Lane.
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Funding of £3,998,960 for these affordable homes was allocated in the council’s housing revenue account budget in February, separate from the main revenue budget. Repayments for external borrowing will be supported by rental income and receipts from the ‘right to buy’ scheme.
According to Rightmove data, Wedmore’s housing market shows a wide range of prices: the average house sold for £601,038 over the past year based on 21 sales, with the most recent detached house fetching £900,000 in April, and a two-bedroom flat sold for £190,000 in October.
Estate agents Cooper and Tanner praise Wedmore as a thriving historic village offering extensive retail and leisure facilities, including boutique shops, general stores, eateries, and public houses. The village supports over 70 community organisations spanning cultural and sporting activities. Additionally, there are convenient bus services connecting residents to larger nearby towns, local private schools, and attractive destinations such as The Newt, along with galleries and restaurants in Bruton.
The affordable homes will be let at up to 80 per cent of market rent, with the first completions and occupations expected by April 2028. Shane Smith, development specialist at Homes in Somerset, which manages the council’s housing stock, emphasised that the new properties will bolster the council’s holdings and contribute to the regeneration of Wedmore, bringing valuable investment to this rural area.
He further noted that the budget includes provisions for additional fees, contingencies, and land tax, ensuring confident financial planning and delivery within budget.
Wedmore has attracted considerable interest from commercial developers over the past decade, including plans for 120 homes on Lascot Hill at the village’s northern edge, which recently passed initial planning stages.
Smith highlighted the particular challenges Somerset faces regarding affordable housing, especially in rural communities where prices often put homeownership out of reach for locals. He said: “Delivering these 12 council homes at Coombe Batch, Wedmore directly addresses the proven housing needs here. This initiative brings much-needed affordable accommodation to a part of the county that currently has no council housing, helping sustain vibrant rural communities.”