Somerset Council has announced plans to deliver 12 new affordable homes in Wedmore, a sought-after village where the average house price exceeds £600,000. This development is part of the council’s wider commitment to providing up to 580 low-cost homes across Somerset by April 2030, either through direct building projects or partnerships with commercial developers.
The new homes will be constructed by C & P Developments (Wedmore) Ltd on Wells Road (B3139) at the village’s eastern edge. Following four years of detailed discussions with council planning officers, planning permission for 30 new homes was granted in July 2024. Subsequent negotiations led to a nearly £4 million agreement enabling the delivery of 12 affordable houses specifically prioritised for local residents.
The site is conveniently located on the main route between Highbridge and Wells, close to local amenities such as the Mendip Scout Base and community allotments off Combe Lane. Under the approved plans, ten affordable homes were initially included, alongside four plots reserved for self-build projects. The council’s additional funding extended the affordable provision to 12 homes, financed through its housing revenue account budget-separate from the main revenue funds. The allocated £3,998,960 covers construction costs, with external borrowing to be repaid via rental income and right-to-buy receipts.
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Market records show that property prices in Wedmore remain high, with an average sale price of £601,038 in the past year based on 21 transactions. Notably, a detached house sold for £900,000 in April, while smaller flats are also available, albeit less expensive.
Estate agents praise Wedmore for its vibrant community, highlighting numerous retail and leisure options including boutique shops, eateries, and essential services. The village supports over 70 cultural and sporting groups and is served by a community-run bus linking it to larger nearby towns and local private schools. Proximity to destinations such as The Newt and Bruton’s galleries and restaurants further enhances its appeal.
The council intends to offer the new homes at affordable rents, defined as up to 80% of local market rates, with occupancy expected by April 2028. Shane Smith, development specialist at Homes in Somerset which manages council housing, emphasised that these new homes will expand the council’s housing stock and foster local regeneration.
He noted: “This scheme addresses a clear housing need in Wedmore, a part of Somerset currently without council homes. Delivering affordable accommodation helps sustain vibrant rural communities facing acute affordability challenges.”
Wedmore has attracted considerable interest from developers over the last decade, including pending plans for 120 additional homes at Lascot Hill. The council’s focus remains on ensuring financial prudence, with allowances covering fees, contingencies, and taxes to keep the project within budget.
This development reflects Somerset Council’s broader efforts to tackle housing shortages across the county, particularly in rural areas where high prices often exclude local residents from the housing market.