More than 600 low-cost homes will be provided in rural parts of Somerset by 2024, a housing association has promised.

Exeter-based firm LiveWest has delivered nearly 100 homes across rural Somerset over the last two years, investing more than £33M in rural areas across the south west.

The company recently completed work on two major developments at opposite ends of the county – 85 homes at Winterhay Lane in Ilminster, and 18 homes within Exmoor National Park.

The housing association has pledged as part of rural housing week to deliver more than 600 additional homes within the next three years to meet demand for low-cost housing in rural areas.

Of the 633 homes it has committed to providing by 2024, 177 are either completed or contracted with planning permission in place.

The company has stated it will deliver at the following sites by the end of 2021/22:

Winterhay Lane, Ilminster – 85 homes

The Paddocks, Bishops Lydeard – 20 homes

Moor Lane, Backwell – 18 homes

Barns Close, Dulverton – 18 homes

Cross Farm, Wedmore – 16 homes

Cherry Pie Lane, Sparkford- 12 homes

Church Farm, Rode – 8 homes

West Road, Lympsham – 8 homes

Wentworth Drive, Bleadon – 3 homes

It has also committed to delivering the following sites by the end of the following financial year:

Charity Farm, Ashcott – 25 homes

Elworthy Place, Wiveliscombe – 20 homes

Old Wells Road, Glastonbury – 18 homes

Foxes Run, Castle Cary – 14 homes

Morrish site, Butleigh – 10 homes

Unspecified site, Tintinhull – 10 homes

The recently-completed scheme in Dulverton comprises six homes for six homes for shared ownership, six for social rent and six for affordable rent.

Charlie Wiliams and Edward Geeson thought they would be priced out of the rental market until they were offered one of the affordable rental properties.

Mr Williams, 20, said: "The affordable rent that LiveWest offer means we are able to afford the home.

"It just gives young people like us the chance to have our own space without having to pay high rental prices. And it means we can stay living in the area that we love instead of having to move away."

Married couple Jennifer and Andrew Pooley have finally secured their home in their 50s, having spent the last 30 years living in private rented accommodation.

Mrs Pooley said: "After so many years of renting we didn't think at our age that shared ownership would be available to us, especially not somewhere as beautiful as Dulverton.

"We feel so lucky to be so near our two grown up sons who live locally, with enough room in our new detached three-bed home to have our grandchildren over to stay.

"We are loving having extra room for our dog who is enjoying the garden, we can walk into the town within ten minutes but are in such a quiet rural location."

In Ilminster, 85 properties have been delivered on the former Powrmatic site, comprising 40 rentable homes, 25 homes for shared ownership and 20 houses which are rent-to-buy.

LiveWest development manager Sammi Hunt said: "The new homes at Winterhay Lane provide a fantastic opportunity for local people to access great affordable homes and get a foot on the property ladder."

The company has already got locations lined up for the other 456 homes it has promised to deliver, but cannot disclose the information at this juncture due to commercial sensitivity.

Development director Gareth Jones said: "It is great to be able celebrate rural

housing and the vital role it plays in helping to sustain thriving rural communities.

"We are committed to strengthening and supporting rural communities by creating access to excellent affordable housing.

"We know the huge difference affordable rural homes make to local people who want to stay in the area in which they work or have family links.

"Housing associations have a key role to play in connecting local communities coupled with providing homes that people love to live in.

"Over the past year we have delivered over 219 homes in rural locations in the south west and we are stepping up our delivery.

"We need to challenge the sector to increase the supply of affordable rural housing and contribute positively to ensuring a thriving countryside."