We have provided 19 affordable homes in the village of Bishops Lydeard, Somerset.
The Paddocks includes eight homes for supported housing, with all of the homes being affordable rent which typically cost around 80% of private rent.
The eight supported housing properties are purpose-built level access bungalows for customers with learning disabilities.
The completions are part of the 85 homes developed in rural areas across Somerset over the past year, with LiveWest planning to provide around 158 homes in rural areas in the county during the next three years.
With sustainability a key priority for the development, House Martin nests, bee bricks and hedgehog holes in the fences have all been installed as well as meadow grasses, trees and hedgerows.
All of the homes, built by construction company Fisher and Dean, have a local connection criteria which means local people can stay living in their local area.
Helen Prettejohn, our Development Manager, said: “Our villages and rural communities need to have homes that are affordable for local people, and this development provides a mix of homes to support this rural community.
“We know the importance affordable, and specialist purpose-built homes play in meeting local needs, and I’m delighted to see the completion of the rural scheme at Bishops Lydeard.
“At Bishops Lydeard we worked collaboratively with our contractor, Fisher and Dean, who developed high-quality homes which blended perfectly into the rural setting.”
The project has been grant supported by Homes England, the country’s national housing and regeneration agency, and also received financial support from Somerset Council.
LiveWest has partnered with Discovery to deliver the care support for the supported housing customers.
Michael Parsons, our Service Lead for Extra Care and Learning Disabilities, said: “Supported housing is a vital part of our national housing system.
“At LiveWest, we believe everyone deserves not just a roof over their head, but a home that’s safe, stable and meets their needs and desires – and we’re proud to be providing homes for people living with a learning disability at Bishops Lydeard.
“The beautiful rural setting these homes are located in provide more than just a place to live, they offer the foundation for wellbeing, independence and stability. The homes demonstrate just how important rural housing is and the impact they have on people’s lives.”
Cath Lowe, Operations Director for Taunton and West for Discovery, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to support people with a learning disability on their path to independence. We have a good long standing working partnership with LiveWest who understand our client group well and are always accommodating to each individual need.
“We already have a couple of people who have moved into these wonderful homes, and they feel so lucky to be living here in the heart of Bishops Lydeard. We are all looking forward to getting to know our neighbours.”
Gareth Flowers, Director for Fisher and Dean, said: “Bishops Lydeard is the latest in a long string of projects Fisher and Dean have competed for LiveWest, a relationship that has bridged over three decades.
“We’re proud of not only the part we played in the delivery of this much needed affordable and supported housing project but also our continued relationship with LiveWest and our commitment to the affordable housing sector.”