WORK is now underway on 20 new affordable homes being built on land where the former Black Horse pub once stood in Rhode Lane.

On Thursday (May 10) E G Carter & Co Ltd, Liverty, Sedgemoor District Council and their partners, joined forces to host a ground-breaking event, marking the commencement of work on the site.

Over the next 40 weeks, the site will be transformed to provide 4 three-bedroom houses and 16 two-bedroom houses, all for rent.

Duncan Harvey, affordable housing policy and development manager at Sedgemoor District Council said: “This scheme is an excellent example of how a brownfield site can be redeveloped to provide much-needed affordable housing.

"Providing affordable homes is an ongoing priority for the council and this project represents another significant step forward.

"To achieve a start on site is amazing, and is a testament to the hard work and strength of our relationship with E G Carter and Liverty. We persevered, when many might have given up.

"Not only are we able to provide twenty modern affordable homes, but we are delighted with the associated regeneration impact and long term benefits a development such as this for individuals and the wider community.

"None of this would have been possible without the financial support from ourselves, Homes England, Liverty and funds from the EDF Housing Fund.”

David Eccles, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at EDF Energy said the company had provided a £5m housing fund to help local councils generate additional accommodation and affordable housing to offset the requirements of the Hinkley C workforce needed for construction of the new nuclear power station.

"We are pleased to see projects such the Black Horse development start and look forward to the day when local families move in to their new homes," Mr Eccles said.

Sharron Taylor, development manager from Liverty said: “This is a truly 100% affordable housing scheme.

"The once derelict site has been brought back to life by these 20 homes for affordable rent, bringing a renewed vibrancy to the area."

In March 2018, DCH and Knightstone merged to form Liverty, the south west’s largest housing association. The ceremony provided an opportunity for all members of the design and construction team to celebrate what will be an important project for all involved.

Completion of the 20 new homes is expected near the end of 2018.