The sum of £3,642,648 comes through the New Homes Bonus launched by the Government four years ago and aimed at ensuring local authorities share in the economic benefits of building new homes and bringing empty properties back into use in their communities.
For a number of years, Sedgemoor has bucked the national trend of housing shortages and exceeded its own targets of starts on sites. More than 450 new homes were completed in the year, bringing the total since 2009 to 4,709 of which a quarter was affordable housing.
In addition to housing and infrastructure, Sedgemoor has demonstrated its positive approach to employment and new business by granting planning consents that have helped create
200 new jobs in 2014; with total investment in the district running at around £400m.
Among the major projects delivered over the last couple of years are new premises for Morrisons, Skoda, Cavalla, Portacabin, the Police and the NHS. The Council’s support for self-employment has also led to the creation of around twenty brand new businesses.
Welcoming the announcement by the Government, a spokesman for the Council said: “This year’s allocation, which is up again on last year’s is welcome news. This Council is justly proud of its record on new and re-instated homes being made available across the district. It is also mindful of the need for infrastructure and employment opportunities to ensure the growth is sustainable and its communities are vibrant places where people want to live and work.