A MAJOR Somerset developer and a local housing association have marked an agreement to deliver affordable housing in Midsomer Norton.

Persimmon Homes Wessex secured outline planning permission for 180 new homes at land off Fossefield Road, to the south of the town, with Somerset Council granting planning consent shortly before Christmas.

They have exchanged contracts with Selwood Housing on 54 high-quality properties to alleviate local housing pressure in the area. These will be delivered before the second half of market homes on the site are occupied.

35 will be for social rent with the remaining 19 for shared ownership, and all 54 will be equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Among the community benefits of the application is more than £400,000 in S106 contributions including £80,000 for the NHS, £168,000 for local education, and £190,000 for off-site public open space.

Land and planning director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, John Gantlett, said: “We are delighted to be partnered with Selwood Housing on our forthcoming site in Midsomer Norton, which will provide much-needed housing for people from the area.

“Persimmon is committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy on all our sites, and a key part of this is the delivery of homes for a local housing association to meet housing need in that area.

“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Selwood Housing as we work to meet the growing demand for housing in Midsomer Norton and the wider area.”

Paul Walsh, group development director for Selwood Housing, added: “We are pleased to be working once again with Persimmon Homes to deliver 54 much-needed affordable homes for the local area, including both social rent and shared ownership.

“Persimmon’s vision for this new development, with its walking routes and low-energy homes, is particularly exciting. We look forward to welcoming our first customers into their new homes”.