I visited a site today in one of the most beautiful villages I have ever been to, where the HCA is supporting the construction of new affordable housing.
Wheddon Cross in Exmoor is one of those picturesque villages most people would dream of living. Situated on top of the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, with a smashing pub and hotels in the centre of the village and stunning scenery in every direction, it certainly seems popular with visitors.
But with average house prices in Exmoor approaching an eye-watering £400,000 last year, many locals undoubtedly find it impossible to afford to live in villages like this.
So it was heartening to see affordable housing being built in the village, as part of a mixed development of housing and business premises near the newly revamped Cutcombe Market. In total, Magna West Somerset will own and manage 10 homes which will be available to local people to rent. It’s a small development by some standards. But in a village of around 400 people, this is bound to make a significant difference.
The appearance of the properties was also encouraging, with sympathetic use of materials which will make the neighbourhood blend into its beautiful surroundings.
The contractors building the homes told us they enjoyed a good relationship with the local residents. I am not surprised. Anyone with long-standing connections to the village will surely understand how badly this development is needed if its future is to be sustained.
My pictures don’t go anywhere near doing the development justice, but below are a few that I took today.
Very interesting sounding development. How big was the total development?
Thanks. There will be 25 houses in total: 10 for Magna to rent, 13 for private sale and two ‘self-build’.