Our new affordable homes in Middlezoy are providing opportunities for local people to continue living and return to the rural communities that matter most to them.
The development, delivered by us in partnership with Summerfield Homes, provides eight affordable homes for rent as part of a wider 26-home development.
For our resident Karen, who moved into her new home in February, the development has meant she can return to the village she knows and loves. “It’s very nice. I’m very happy here,” she said.
Having previously lived in the village for many years, Karen says returning has made a real difference to her life. She said: “I’m from Southampton originally but I have lived in the village for 11 years before I moved out briefly and came back.
“It’s very important to offer rural housing because I did have to move out the area so it’s nice to come back again. I’ve got friends here, I’ve got family here, so it’s nice. Lovely to be back.”
Not only has this development supported Karen’s ambition to stay in Middlezoy, but it has also helped her daughter and son-in-law return to the village.
Karen said: “I think it’s very important that LiveWest offer new homes because it’s so hard if you live in the village. A lot of the youngsters move out of the village because they can’t afford to stay in it.
“My daughter and her husband were a classic example. They got together. Dan was born and bred in the village, but they had to move to Bridgwater to buy their first house but luckily, they then became in a position where they can move back.
“A lot of youngsters have had to move out and are slowly moving back so, it’s good."
Providing affordable homes in rural areas is an important part of LiveWest’s work across the South West, helping people remain close to family, friends and local support networks.
Reflecting on the peacefulness she finds in the village, Karen said: “It’s nice because it’s dark at night and it’s nice and quiet. You haven’t got ongoing noise because the only people that come to the village are ones that come to the village as there’s no main road through it. It’s lovely.
“It is a great community. It’s a really lovely village and I know most of the neighbours anyway.”
Built with sustainability in mind, all LiveWest homes on the development include air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points, creating energy-efficient homes for the future.
Karen continues to reflect on the importance of building homes that are affordable and energy efficient for its residents to run.
Despite having never had an air source heat pump or solar panels before, she is looking forward to seeing the positive difference they will make. She said: “I think it’s very important because I’ve had to stop working so the more affordable the better.
“I didn’t move in till the end of February, so the heating wasn’t on then but obviously we had that cold spell, but it's not been on for a long time.
“The solar panels are going to be a big help.”
Ecological features were also built into the design, including bird boxes and bee bricks to support local wildlife.
Continue reading about LiveWest's commitment to building more rural homes here.