A TURF cutting ceremony was held to mark the start of work on a new housing development in East Huntspill.

Representatives from the South Western Housing Society, Sedgemoor District Council, East Huntspill Parish Council Somerset County Council and contractors Kier Living turned out for the event last Wednesday.

The project involves 12 affordable homes at Hackness Farm, as well as a wetland pond area for wildlife and a public footpath.

District councillor for the village Andrew Gilling was helped by Anne Robinson, chairman of the South Western Housing Society, to make the first cut.

Cllr Gilling said: “We are delighted that by working with South Western Housing Society, we are able to provide high quality affordable housing for local people and we are pleased that the design has incorporated something that the whole village can enjoy in the shape of the wetland area.”

Anne Robinson added: “We will be giving priority to housing those people who have a strong local connection to the area.”

As reported in the Weekly News, some villagers have objected to the scheme fearing it could make a historic problem of foul smelling drains even worse but the developers said the issues would be resolved.

John Titcombe from Kier Living says the new homes are designed to make use of proven energy efficiency features with high levels of insulation and roof-mounted solar panels providing free energy for hot water.

He added the development is also designed to minimise flood risk - to find out more contact Sedgemoor District Council's housing advice team on 0845-04082540 or e-mail housing.advice@sedgemoor.gov.uk