Plans to free up land for new homes in West Somerset

Plans to build affordable homes on land not previously allowed for development will be considered in the future, West Somerset District Council said.

The idea is being looked at because of a shortage of affordable homes.

The local authority has also been working with housing associations to drive up the number of affordable homes in Minehead through new builds.

A proposal is due to go before planners on Thursday for 80 homes, and almost half of them will be affordable.

Director of Summerfield Developments, Chris Winter said: "It is just scratching the surface of the need."

Normally such developments require 35% to be affordable homes.

Leader of the council, Tim Taylor, said: "If a site is outside of a planning line and it is felt suitable then it might be developed for affordable homes only."