Half-finished homes on the Exmoor Gate housing estate in Minehead present a unique opportunity for Somerset Council to support local housing needs, according to a local councillor.
The Exmoor Gate development, located on the southern side of A39 Porlock Road near Exmoor National Park, consists of 69 homes. The project was underway by Stratton Land Ltd., a London-based developer that recently entered administration, leaving construction halted and the future of the site uncertain.
The developer faced financial difficulties and received council permission in February to reduce its contribution toward a new community centre, citing costs related to removing and storing topsoil. However, the collapse of Stratton Land Ltd. in late May means many homes remain incomplete, with substantial delays expected or the possibility that some will never be finished.
READ MORE: From Struggle to Strength: How Dulverton Junior School in Somerset Turned Things Around
READ MORE: Salt Path Scandal Sparks Controversy at Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival
Councillor Marcus Kravis, representing the nearby Dunster division, has proposed that Somerset Council consider purchasing the development. By completing the homes, the council could offer them as affordable housing to local residents, thereby addressing critical housing shortages in the area.
Speaking at the council’s communities scrutiny committee meeting in Taunton, Mr. Kravis emphasized the potential: “There’s a big development in Minehead on Hopcott Road—the developer’s gone bust, and we don’t know the next steps. But the partially built houses could be an ideal opportunity for the council to step in and buy them.”
This suggestion aligns with the council’s recent approval to invest £3.4 million over the coming year to acquire up to 15 new homes on the open market for temporary accommodation purposes.
Chris Hall, Somerset Council’s executive director for community, place, and economy, explained the council’s usual process for acquiring social housing. Affordable homes are typically obtained through Section 106 agreements, where developers provide discounted properties as part of planning permissions. Purchasing homes on the open market tends to be more costly, lacking the benefits of warranties and guaranteed standards associated with new builds.
Despite the challenges, the council is actively working with construction partners, such as Classic Builders, on other housing projects like Seaward Way in Minehead. These developments prioritize local residents or those with strong community ties to ensure housing support is kept within the area.
Simon Lewis, head of housing, income, and tenancy management, shared updates on recent allocations, with 32 homes let and additional units advertised, reflecting ongoing efforts to meet social housing needs across Minehead.
The stalled Exmoor Gate project presents both challenges and opportunities. Councillors like Mr. Kravis urge proactive measures to secure these half-finished homes, helping to alleviate housing pressures and support the local community.