The forthcoming Penlea House flats in Bridgwater will be allocated primarily to local residents, officials have confirmed, dispelling recent social media rumours suggesting otherwise.
Homes in Somerset is nearing completion of 33 one- and two-bedroom flats on the site of the former Penlea House, situated north of Rhode Lane in southwest Bridgwater. These properties will be offered at social rent, significantly below market rates.
Concerns circulating online claim the flats might be given to non-locals or recent arrivals, but Councillor Leigh Redman, representing the adjacent Bridgwater North and Central division, firmly stated that priority will be granted to individuals registered on the Homefinder housing list who live in Bridgwater or have strong local connections.
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The Penlea House development takes the form of a four-storey block built on the site of the old 19th-century Penlea House, which was demolished years ago. Although an earlier plan for 36 flats across three blocks existed, it was never implemented. The current design for the 33-flat single block was approved in January 2021 despite some public criticism of its appearance.
Originally slated for completion in October 2024, the flats are now anticipated to be ready for occupation by the end of September. Nick Draper, Homes in Somerset’s development team leader, expressed enthusiasm about the project concluding and welcoming residents into high-quality new homes.
Conveniently located just over a mile from Bridgwater town centre, residents will have easy access to the B1 bus route serving the High Street and Sydenham estate, plus nearby amenities including Morrisons supermarket, Taunton Road Medical Centre, and eco-park attractions like Browne’s Pond and The Meads via a local cycle link.
On August 30, a Local Democracy Reporting Service livestream of the route prompted some sceptical comments from residents online, questioning whether the flats would truly serve locals. These assertions were swiftly refuted by Councillor Redman, who labeled them as “false news.”
Currently, more than 12,700 people in Somerset are registered with the Homefinder housing service, which applies strict eligibility and priority criteria. Priority goes to applicants with strong local ties and those with urgent housing needs such as overcrowding, medical issues, or family circumstances.
A Homefinder spokesperson explained that property listings specify eligibility details, ensuring only suitable and eligible households can bid. After applications close, properties are allocated to those with the greatest need in accordance with the service’s rules.
With these protections in place, the new Penlea House flats are set to provide much-needed affordable housing primarily for Bridgwater’s own residents.