Good life comes to Alcombe

12/3/2009

Residents will soon be living the good life in Alcombe near Minehead.

A new development of affordable homes in the town, featuring some of the very latest energy-saving devices, are nearing completion.

The scheme, at Lower Marshfield Road, is a joint venture between Magna West Somerset Housing Association (MWS), Summerfield Homes and West Somerset Council.

The development consists of 23 properties. MWS will make 12 two bedroom flats available for affordable rent to local people, while the remaining 11 houses will be sold at affordable rates by Summerfield – with the majority having already been snapped up.

The MWS flats will be advertised for two weeks from December 23. Applicants will need to be registered for housing with Homefinder Somerset before that date.

Details of how to register are available by visiting www.homefindersomerset.co.uk or contacting West Somerset Council on 01643 703704.

An exciting feature of the flats will be an innovative heat recovery system.

Hot air from both the kitchens and bathrooms will be recycled and pumped into the living rooms and bedrooms.

The system will increase energy efficiency, reduce condensation and could result in lower fuel bills.

MWS director, Tony Murray, explained: “This development, which will have the postal address of Hayfield Close, is an excellent example of partnership working.

“Affordable housing is a big issue in West Somerset and these homes are much needed by local people.

“In terms of being energy efficient, we obtained grant funding to ensure the MWS flats meet our higher design standards, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.

“This in turn has enabled us to install the heat recovery systems which offer obvious benefits such as the potential for reduced heating bills for tenants.”

Registered applicants will be able to view the flats by visiting the Homefinder website after December 23. They can also register their interest (bid) for the properties on-line or by calling the hotline on 0845 270 2524.  

The development is set to be completed by the end of February with the first tenants expected to have moved in within two weeks of completion.