Construction of 33 affordable homes is set to begin later this year in the expanding Somerset village of Street, following the completion of key legal agreements. This development is part of a broader initiative between Mendip District Council and Aster Housing to deliver up to 160 low-cost homes across Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, and Street.
Aster Housing, headquartered in Devizes, Wiltshire, submitted plans in November 2021 for the 33-home project located on Portland Road, adjacent to the local cemetery. Approval was granted by Somerset Council’s planning committee in June 2025, paving the way for development.
The site, positioned west of the cemetery and south of the village substation, will be accessible via a new entrance off Portland Drive due to the narrowness of Cemetery Lane. The Portland Road development is included in the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which allocates the area to accommodate a minimum of 32 new homes.
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The homes will range from one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom houses, all available as social or intermediate rent, with the latter capped at 80% of the local market value. The scheme also includes a contribution of over £45,000 toward enhancements at Woods Batch Park, a local green space now managed by Street Parish Council. The park will serve as a key pedestrian link connecting residents to local amenities, complemented by upcoming improvements to active travel routes along the A39 Westway.
The project experienced delays due to the phosphate crisis impacting the Somerset Levels and Moors, requiring additional environmental mitigation measures. To address this, Aster will purchase phosphate credits from Manor Farm in Prestleigh, reducing environmental impact from the development.
Local councillor Liz Leyshon, representing the Street division, expressed optimism about the project’s progress. She highlighted the strong demand for affordable housing among young people in the area and praised the council’s commitment to sustainable development. Planning officer Jennifer Alvis also underscored the benefits of the development, noting its potential to alleviate housing shortages and stimulate the local economy.
Aster is anticipated to commence construction before the end of the year, with the first homes potentially available to Homefinder Somerset applicants by mid-2027.