South West social housing provider Alliance Homes has signed a deal with Bloor Homes to deliver 40 new affordable homes on the Holwell Lane development in Cheddar.

The Section 106 agreement will bring a balance of homes for shared ownership and social rent.

The 18 shared ownership properties will be a mix of two and three-bedroom houses, and the 22 social rent homes will be a range of apartments and houses.

Iain Lock, Alliance's director of investment, said: "This is an exciting deal for Alliance Homes, and with 40 properties it's one of the biggest contracts we've ever signed.

"We've got ambitious plans to build 2,000 homes over the next ten years and working with private developers helps ensure we provide homes for those who need them."

Andy Willis, chair of Alliance Homes' Board, said: "We are delighted to be bringing this housing scheme to Cheddar.

"We already have properties in nearby Winscombe, but these will our first homes for Sedgemoor District Council.

"We look forward to finding more opportunities in Sedgemoor and making a difference for people in the area."

Duncan Harvey, housing development manager at Sedgemoor District Council, said: "Cheddar is a beautiful place to live, where some local people find themselves priced out from accessing decent, suitable housing at a price they can afford.

"Bloor Homes builds high quality, attractive homes. In Alliance Homes we have a locally based affordable housing provider with a track record of resident focussed, well-managed homes.

"This combination is fantastic news for local people who need an affordable home. We look forward to construction getting underway, ultimately helping new residents realise their ambition of a secure, safe and affordable place to call home."

Work is expected to begin on site soon and the first homes are expected to be ready in the autumn this year with a rolling programme of units being delivered through to late 2023.

Ken Allen, director of partnerships at Bloor Homes, said: "We have worked with Alliance Homes on a number of successful developments before and look forward to continuing this good relationship."