Plans for 15 new social homes on Mendip-owned land in West Shepton took a step closer last night (Monday, 7th March).

Mendip District Council's Cabinet unanimously backed a proposal to develop a mix of single and two-storey units.

At least one third of the 15 homes (a minimum of five units) delivered by Mendip and housing association partners, LiveWest, will be suitable for elderly or physically impaired occupants. But the hope is to achieve an even better ratio than that, subject to viability and grant routes being explored.

Also being explored are zero carbon objectives for the development. A commitment to exceed current building regulations has already been agreed.

The development, if approved, would be located on 'scrub land' currently leased to Shepton Football Club by the District Council. Full consultation with Shepton residents will take place as part of the planning process.

The proposal aligns with the Council's key pledge to help Make Mendip a fairer place.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance, said: "We have looked closely into the question of need.

"Some 230 households in Shepton are on the housing register. But in a study we did last year, Shepton came bottom of the list of the main settlements in Mendip for the delivery of all tenures of affordable housing over a period of time.

"The need in Shepton is therefore clear - and we are targeting the area of greatest need with homes that are the hardest to deliver.

"This Council is playing a proactive role in bringing forward a proposal that is unlikely to be delivered by anyone else."

Mendip has been exploring the possibility of building new homes on Council-owned land in and around Shepton Mallet for some time. Members agreed in principle to include West Shepton as part of the wider social and affordable housing programme back in September 2021.

The Shepton scheme comes weeks after a social housing development at Cemetery Lane, in Street, was submitted to planning, featuring 33 homes near Portland Road.

The Council has also backed proposals for six social homes on part of Glastonbury's Norbins Road car park. Contracts have been exchanged and a planning application submitted.

In Frome, plans are being prepared for 18 homes on North Parade car park.

All the current schemes meet high sustainability standards and are designed to leave a lasting legacy of social homes offering fair rents for residents, as well as creating jobs, boosting skills and the local economy.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "Social and affordable homes have not been built in Mendip for two decades. We said we'd address this deficit and put it right.

"We've kept this pledge, and are delivering a programme to be proud of across our district."