The first home in Somerset Council’s Rainbow Way in Minehead is nearly finished – and ready to open its doors to prospective tenants.
A special Open House event is being held on Tuesday 18 June from 2pm-5pm, giving local people the chance to see one of the new homes for themselves. Visitors should enter the new development located at the end of Rainbow Way (TA24 5EQ) to access the property.
The home on show– a two-bedroom, end-of-terrace home – is one of 54 homes are being built at the site. They are the first council homes in West Somerset for more than 30 years.
Visitors will get the chance to hear at first-hand about progress, the low carbon technology and find out how to register for the new properties which will be a mix of 33 flats and 21 houses.
Chris Brown, Somerset Council’s Housing Director, said:
“The Council and the housing service are really excited that the first Council homes in the west of the county for many years are nearing completion. We believe the quality and low energy specification which we have used will make these wonderful homes for many years.”
The first home is expected to be handed over to tenants next month. Priority for the new properties, a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and one- and two-bedroom flats, will be given to those living, in or having connections to Minehead, and the adjoining parishes of Minehead Without, Selworthy, Wootton Courtenay, Timberscombe and Dunster. They will be made be available on www.homefindersomerset.co.uk .
Construction is being carried out by Classic Builders and the homes will aim to meet 2050 zero-carbon standards. Representatives from the firm and Somerset Council will be on hand at the event to answer questions.
Rainbow Way has ambitious energy performance targets, working towards the Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) definition of net zero. Low carbon technologies including PV panels, thermal storage with smart controllers and air source heat pumps will be installed leading to lower energy bills for residents.
Innovative clay blocks are being used in the construction – these are low carbon and insulated to improve the buildings’ heat retention.
