Somerset Council has confirmed that every individual housed in one of Minehead’s newly built council homes either lives in the town or has a proven strong connection to it. The council, alongside contractor Classic Builders, is finishing the delivery of 54 new council houses at the Rainbow Way site off Seaward Way, a project recently nominated for a prestigious construction award recognizing excellence in the South West.
Concerns have been raised on social media by numerous Minehead residents questioning whether these homes have truly met local housing needs. Some shared anecdotes suggesting that people with strong ties to Minehead had been overlooked for the properties. In response, the council assured the public that the 32 people currently occupying these homes are either residents of Minehead or have a verifiable local connection—such as having family members living in the area.
The council has committed to maintaining these standards for the remaining 22 homes still under construction, expected to be completed by late June. Under the Homefinder Somerset housing register, priority for the Rainbow Way homes is reserved for applicants with a local connection to Minehead.
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The council defines “local connection” across four priority categories, with top priority given to those ordinarily residing in Minehead parish. Of the 32 allocated homes, 28 have been given to applicants in this top category. The remaining four were allocated to individuals living in temporary accommodation through the homelessness service, also qualifying under the local connection policy.
Some Minehead residents voiced frustrations online, alleging the allocation process overlooked lifelong locals. One claimed a home went to “someone from out of the area who stayed eight months at the YMCA,” referring to the former Gascony Hotel converted into a hostel by the YMCA Dulverton Group. Another shared that a lifelong Minehead resident working at Butlin’s felt disregarded despite strong local roots.
A council spokesperson emphasized that, due to data protection laws, they cannot disclose personal details of the tenants but reassured that strict adherence to local connection criteria is upheld throughout the scheme.