Topping out ceremony for momentous Penlea development

Supporters of the Penlea Housing Development, a joint project with Homes in Sedgemoor and Somerset Council, gathered on Monday at a topping out ceremony for the new homes.

The event marked a momentous point in the construction of 33 fit-for-the-future council-owned rented apartments.

The impressive structure is the culmination of many years hard work on the part of Homes in Sedgemoor and its stakeholder, Somerset Council to regenerate a tired uneconomic council asset and bring forward new life in the form of ultra-modern new homes.

Partners in the build, Classic Builders began construction of the new apartments in autumn 2022.

The council has invested £5.5m in building these new homes and the project has benefited from grant funding support from central government.

Housing Development Manager Duncan Harvey said: “The project will provide 33 high specification, thermally efficient, affordable rented homes and is example of Homes in Sedgemoor’s drive and commitment towards decarbonising the council’s housing stock. The scheme also includes ten homes specifically designed to meet the needs of the physically disabled.”

Representatives from the council, our contractor and other interested parties who have supported the project gathered to attend the topping out event which saw all but the highest part of the new building put in place.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, said: “These new apartments will provide much-needed, state-of-the-art homes in Somerset, and includes homes adapted for people with physical disabilities. It’s fantastic to see this project progressing well and I look forward to seeing its completion next year.”

The development will be ready for residents to move in early in the new year.

Once occupied, the homes will be owned by Somerset Council and managed by Homes in Sedgemoor.

Our new tenants will be able to enjoy homes which properly meets their needs, are safe, warm and affordable.