HOMEOWNERS in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas could see the value of their property rise on the back of the Hinkley power station development, according to property experts.

Last week, the government announced it was to guarantee £2bn of investment for the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant, giving the project a timely boost and bringing the development a step closer.

Now, estate agents and property developers are anticipating a rise in the value of homes in Bridgwater due to the arrival of workers and others.

They are also expecting renewed interest in property from retirees and those looking at alternative options for investing their savings.

Neil Jenkin, director of CJ Hole Bridgwater, said the plant would be “nothing but positive” for Bridgwater.

“I would say that there is definite potential for house prices to go up because of what’s happened with Hinkley,” he said.

“However, this does have to balance with the supply and demand for new houses.

“It may mean a fewer number of houses will be built which could spark debate, but it will definitely be nothing but positive for Bridgwater as a whole.”

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes, who have a range of developments in the town, said: “They are looking carefully at which areas are set to provide strong lettings and we anticipate that Bridgwater and Taunton will be hugely attractive as investors look to the construction workers of this major infrastructure project as perfect tenants.”

The government guarantee was announced by chancellor George Osborne during a visit to China last week, with the Chinese set to invest £2bn in the station, which would be Britain’s first new nuclear plant for 20 years, providing power for about 60 years.

Andrea added: “With a combination of low interest rates, renewed confidence in the market, rising house prices and affordable buy-to-let mortgages, more and more mature investors are looking at putting their money into a new build property.

“The nuclear power station project will provide renewed focus for property in the area and a good rental property makes a compelling alternative investment that can not only offer a monthly rental income but also provide the investor with a capital growth and realise a potential return if and when they cho