HOUSING association LiveWest is set to build 193 homes in rural areas across Somerset over the next two years.

In the last two years, LiveWest has built 171 homes across Somerset, including 85 in Ilminster, 16 in Wedmore, 13 in Langport and 12 in Sparkford, as well as completing a scheme in Lympsham which has resulted in 20 new homes.

Peter Hieron lived in a caravan in Lympsham before securing one of the affordable homes.

He said: “I lived on a family run caravan site, but the owner passed away, so the place got sold on because the new owners wanted to put planning permission in on it.

“I was really lucky to get this place as I was bidding on homes for a long time.

“When I found out I had got it, I was round there almost every night waiting for it to be built because I was that excited to move in.

“For the first month I moved in I was a bit lost because I wasn’t used to the size of the rooms, moving from a static caravan to this was a big change so I was speechless.

“It’s really lovely here and it’s quiet, I get along with the residents. I was really lucky to get this place. If it wasn’t for LiveWest I wouldn’t be standing here now – I would probably be homeless.”

Now the housing provider is developing 25 new homes in Congresbury, 20 in Wiveliscombe and 19 at Bishops Lydeard.

Gareth Jones, development director for LiveWest, said: “At LiveWest, we are committed to strengthening and supporting these communities by creating access to excellent affordable housing across Somerset.

“We work in a broad range of rural communities to deliver homes that people can afford to live in. We are developing a number of sites in rural communities that will provide affordable homes both to rent and buy.

“Running parallel with our drive to support the provision of rural homes is our focus on energy efficiency, ensuring that all our new homes are well-built and insulated to help deliver cost savings for our customers.

“With more than 550 rural homes planned for the next two years, we remain committed to providing great homes and helping to sustain vibrant rural communities.”