BRIDGWATER'S landmark pub The Pig & Whistle has officially reopened this week as 17 affordable homes off Parkway.

The new housing community, which has been developed by social housing provider Stonewater in partnership with regional contractors Prelon Properties and Sedgemoor District Council, has produced eight two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom energy-efficient homes for low-cost rent.

The properties, each with a private garden and parking, are located a short walk from Bridgwater train station and close to shops and schools.

“This scheme is an excellent example of how a brownfield site can be redeveloped to provide much-needed affordable housing,” says Jonathan Layzell, Stonewater’s executive director for development.

“With the average rent in the Sedgemoor District almost a third of the local living wage, many local people are forced to look outside of their local area to find a good-quality home at a price they can afford.

"We hope that these new homes in Bridgwater will help more people find homes within their price range, close to their family, friends and place of work. We are delighted to have worked with Sedgemoor District Council on this urgently-needed scheme.”

The new housing development has been funded by Stonewater, with an additional £263,500 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and a £34,000 Recycled Capital Grant.

“Providing affordable homes is an ongoing priority for the council and this official opening represents another significant step forward,” says Cllr Andrew Gilling, portfolio holder for housing at Sedgemoor District Council. “It’s particularly positive to see the completion of this project within the heart of Sydenham.

"The 17 new homes involved have taken forward a previously derelict site and delivered a new offer for the community, regenerating the local area and securing investment at a time when the market was most difficult.

“In no small part, I would like to thank Stonewater and my officers for achieving this scheme’s result.

"Despite a number of potentially project-ending challenges on the way, the successful and safe completion of these new homes represents the culmination of many years’ hard work, and is a testament to Stonewater’s significant efforts to help maintain the delivery of meaningful numbers of new affordable homes across Sedgemoor.

"The impact of these types of developments have long-lasting benefits for individuals and the wider community.

“Sedgemoor’s partnership with Stonewater has proved successful here and demonstrates how the authority is contributing positively to that national housing challenge.”

Stonewater, which owns and manages 450 homes in the Sedgemoor District, has recently completed a development of 27 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership at Springfield Close in nearby Pawlett village.

The plans sparked objections when the application was submitted from the Campaign for Real Ale who argued more needed to be done to stop pubs disappearing in Bridgwater.