Residents in housing need in the Minehead area should save the date of 19 September to learn more about – and how to register their interest in – a new Somerset Council development in the seaside town.

Some 54 homes are being built at Rainbow Way with completion due in summer 2024 – and are the first council homes in West Somerset for more than 30 years.

Residents will get the chance to hear at first-hand about progress and the process of how to register for the new properties which will be a mix of 33 flats and 21 houses. The event is at Minehead Cricket Club from 2pm – 5pm.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said:

It’s exciting to see these much-needed new homes starting to take shape. I hope as many residents as possible will come along to the event to find out more.

These are the first new council homes to be built in Minehead in a generation and that is a great achievement, particularly as the properties will comply with 2050 zero-carbon standards.

Construction is well under way with Classic Builders, the company doing the work, making good progress It is hoped to release some of houses ready for occupation during Spring next year.

The housing scheme has ambitious energy performance targets, working towards the London 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.

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.