Final affordable homes completed at major Taunton development site
Local buyers given final chance to secure affordable homes at Taunton’s Killams Park
The final affordable homes at a major Taunton housing estate can now be offered to local residents following an official handover.
Taunton-based developer Summerfield Homes has been delivering 320 homes on the Killams Park estate on Killams Drive, at the southern edge of Somerset’s county town.
Of these homes, 60 have been made available at below the market rate, either through shared ownership or for social or affordable rent – with a further 26 homes being sold under Summerfield’s MyHomes scheme at 30 per cent less than their market value.
The developer has now transferred the remaining four shared ownership properties to the Abri housing association, which will offer them to those with a Taunton connection on the council’s Homefinder Somerset system.
Shared ownership allows people to purchase a share of their home – usually between ten per cent and 75 per cent – while paying a reduced rent on the remaining share.
Each of the four newly handed-over homes features a modern, open-plan living/dining room with a shaker-style fitted kitchen (including appliances), and each has two comfortable bedrooms and a modern bathroom upstairs.
Nick Birch, commercial divisional director at Summerfield Homes, said: “We are pleased to have handed over the last four shared ownership properties to Abri on this quality development, helping to support more people get onto or climb up the property ladder.”
The properties within the wider Killams Park estate range from bungalows and one-bedroom flat to five-bedroom houses, with Summerfield planting nearly 1,200 new trees throughout the site along with wildflower meadows, connected by public footpaths and cycleways.
Abri senior development manager Ben Richards said: “We’re committed to providing high-quality, affordable homes for the people living in our communities.
“Developments like Killams Park play an important role in helping local people access home ownership.
“We have enjoyed working in partnership with Summerfield to provide well designed, energy efficient homes that meet the needs of our customers now and in the future.”
NHS Somerset and Symphony Healthcare Services recently completed improvements to the Warwick House Medical Centre on Upper Holway Road, making it easier for Killams Park’s residents to access a wider range of local health services.
Andy Brown, agent with Randall Simmonds LLP, added: “It was a pleasure working with Summerfield Homes on these final plots at Killams Park.
“Their highly organised approach to delivery, together with attention to quality standards, is clear to see with these exceptional houses. Well done to Nick and the Summerfield team.”
Abri will shortly begin construction on 100 new affordable homes on the B3153 Somerton Road in Huish Episcopi, after securing revised planning permission from Somerset Council in February.
A further 27 homes can be delivered at the Foxes Run site in Castle Cary following a successful appeal in January – though this may be overturned if a locally-funded legal challenge proves successful.