A NEW housing development made up of homes designed to be accessible for those wanting to get onto the property ladder has opened today in North Petherton.
The Batts Meadow estate, developed by Otter Construct, with Willow Tree Housing Partnership purchasing the seven affordable homes, is made up of five affordable rented properties, and two shared ownership homes.
The homes, located just off Newton Road, are available for people using Homefinder Somerset, which works with Somerset Council and housing associations such as Willow Tree to help people to find affordable homes.
"It's really important to Somerset that smaller organisations work with small and medium sized builders to help contribute to keeping a thriving local economy," she said.
Each of the seven houses features roof-mounted solar panels, an electric vehicle charger, air source heat pumps, and ground floor under-floor heating.
Karen Walker, development project manager, explained how the new homes have been built with sustainability at their core.
"They're designed with the environment in mind," she said.
In each garden, a 'hedgehog highway' system has been implemented - in order to allow wildlife to move safely and freely between gardens - along with bee boxes.
All of the houses are semi-detached, and the two shared ownership properties are both two-bedroom dwellings.
Of the five affordable houses, four are also of two-bedroom size, and the remaining one boasts three bedrooms.
Tenants and part owners have already begun moving into the properties, all of whom are 'delighted' according to CEO Donna.
Cllr Alan Bradford, a North Petherton and Somerset Councillor and former Mayor, played a key role in bringing the new houses to the town.
"Local knowledge on any development is paramount," he said.
"The houses are tremendous - they're of very high quality and well finished.
"Now everybody has a chance to own their own property, and in lovely surroundings."
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, was in attendance to cut the ribbon and officially open the new Batts Meadow development.
"It's great to have seven new affordable houses here in North Petherton, it's absolutely much needed," he said.
"We see a huge new demand for affordable housing in North Petherton.
"The local need is absolutely significant."
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