Work begins on 50 new homes in Somerset

Artist's impression of the Lavender Rise development of 53 homes on Houlgate Way in Axbridge

Work has started on 53 new homes close to the Mendip Hills after outline planning permission was first granted more than four years ago.

The first application to build the properties on Houlgate Way was submitted in 2020 with amended proposals put forward by Bellway Homes in 2022.

Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee voted in favour of the amended proposals in March 2023.

The new development will have 38 homes with 15 shared ownership properties, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom homes.

Rachel Way, senior sales manager for Bellway South West, said: "It’s apparent there is already considerable interest in the new homes here, in particular in the three-bedroom shared ownership properties we are building here.

“It’s practical too, with Axbridge Church of England First School Academy just a short walk away, and Fairlands Middle School and Kings Academy for older students less than three miles away in Cheddar."

Somerset Council is planning to make improvements to the A38 near Axbridge as to improve the flow of traffic between the M5 and Bristol Airport, working in partnership with North Somerset Council.

These include an improved crossing for the Strawberry Line over the A38 Bridgwater Road near Axbridge, potentially replacing the existing crossing with a footbridge.

The homes will be ready for their new owners to move into next spring.