A DEVELOPMENT of 15 social homes on land in Shepton Mallet took a step closer this week.

Mendip District Council’s Cabinet unanimously backed proposals for a mix of single and two-storey units.

At least five units delivered by Mendip and housing association partner LiveWest will be suitable for elderly or physically impaired occupants.

Zero carbon objectives are being explored, while a commitment to exceed current building regulations has been agreed.

The scheme, if approved, would be located on council-owned scrub land currently leased to Shepton Football Club.

A public consultation will take place as part of the planning process.

The proposal aligns with the council's key pledge to help Make Mendip a fairer place.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, portfolio holder for housing services and governance, said: "We have looked closely into the question of need.

“Some 230 households in Shepton are on the housing register.

"But in a study we did last year, Shepton came bottom of the list of the main settlements in Mendip for the delivery of all tenures of affordable housing over a period of time.

“The need in Shepton is therefore clear - and we are targeting the area of greatest need with homes that are the hardest to deliver.

“This council is playing a proactive role in bringing forward a proposal that is unlikely to be delivered by anyone else.”

Mendip has been exploring the possibility of building new homes on council-owned land in and around Shepton Mallet for some time. Members agreed in principle to include West Shepton as part of the wider social and affordable housing programme back in September 2021.

The Shepton scheme comes after a social housing development at Cemetery Lane, in Street, was submitted to planning, featuring 33 homes near Portland Road.

The council has also backed proposals for six social homes on part of Glastonbury's Norbins Road car park, with contracts exchanged and a planning application submitted.

In Frome, plans are being prepared for 18 homes on North Parade car park.

Council leader Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "Social and affordable homes have not been built in Mendip for two decades. We said we’d address this deficit and put it right.

“We’ve kept this pledge, and are delivering a programme to be proud of across our district.”