Nestled within the charming landscape of Ashcott, Somerset, a new housing initiative is poised to tackle one of the most pressing concerns facing rural communities in the United Kingdom: the provision of affordable housing. The development at Charity Farm, comprising 25 affordable homes, represents a collaborative venture between LiveWest, the South West’s largest housing association, and the respected construction firm EG Carter. This initiative not only addresses the urgent housing needs of the local area but also underscores the significance of strategic partnerships in delivering effective housing solutions.
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The project, endorsed by Sedgemoor District Council, will feature 20 homes available for affordable rent and five designated for shared ownership. This blend is pivotal in nurturing a diverse community, offering various segments of the population access to quality housing. With a total investment approaching £7 million, the development is a substantial commitment to Ashcott’s future. This funding, bolstered by a grant from Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration body, highlights the alignment of local and national priorities in addressing housing shortages.
A notable aspect of these new homes is their emphasis on energy efficiency. Each property will be equipped with air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, technologies aimed at minimising heating and energy expenses—a critical consideration amid escalating living costs. These energy-efficient solutions not only enhance the affordability of living in these homes but also contribute to broader environmental objectives by reducing the development’s carbon footprint.
Community integration stands as another fundamental pillar of this project. Initially, LiveWest will provide a dedicated play area, which will subsequently be maintained by the Miles & Hurman Trust. This initiative seeks to cultivate a sense of community cohesion, offering residents a communal space to gather and for children to play, thus enriching the quality of life in this scenic village. Furthermore, the development’s design incorporates bicycle storage and links to existing public footpaths, promoting sustainable transportation options and alleviating traffic congestion.
Caroline Hughes, Assistant Director of New Business for LiveWest, has highlighted the development’s ambition to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. By offering a variety of house types and sizes, the project is tailored to reflect local housing demands while catering to a range of household structures. The thoughtful design, centred around an open landscaped area, ensures the development integrates harmoniously with the existing community, maintaining the privacy of neighbouring properties.
Positioned on Ashcott’s eastern periphery, the Charity Farm site is strategically located to leverage existing infrastructure while contributing to the village’s growth. The completion of the development is anticipated by early 2025, presenting a timely resolution to the housing needs of the area.
John Kearney, Head of Provider Management for Homes England, has emphasised the crucial role of such projects in rural communities. By harnessing grant funding from the Affordable Homes Programme, strategic collaborators like LiveWest can unlock significant investment and deliver new affordable housing, thereby addressing the disparity between housing supply and demand.
The Ashcott development exemplifies how strategic partnerships and meticulous planning can effectively address local housing needs while fostering sustainability and community integration. As rural areas across the UK face similar challenges, the Charity Farm project offers valuable insights and a replicable model to ensure that everyone has access to secure, affordable, and environmentally conscious housing. This initiative not only meets immediate housing demands but also paves the way for future developments aiming to bridge the gap between need and supply in rural communities.
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