More than 600 low-cost homes will be provided in rural parts of Somerset by 2024, a housing association has promised, including 35 in Ashcott and Butleigh.

Exeter-based firm LiveWest has delivered nearly 100 homes across rural Somerset over the last two years, investing more than £33 million in rural areas across the South West.

The company recently completed work on two major developments at opposite ends of the county – 85 homes at Winterhay Lane in Ilminster, and 18 homes within Exmoor National Park.

The housing association has pledged, as part of Rural Housing Week, to deliver more than 600 additional homes within the next three years to meet demand for low-cost housing in rural areas.

Of the 633 homes it has committed to providing by 2024, 177 are either completed or contracted with planning permission in place.

The company has stated it will deliver at the following sites by the end of 2021/22:

• Winterhay Lane, Ilminster – 85 homes
• The Paddocks, Bishops Lydeard – 20 homes
• Moor Lane, Backwell – 18 homes
• Barns Close, Dulverton – 18 homes
• Cross Farm, Wedmore – 16 homes
• Cherry Pie Lane, Sparkford- 12 homes
• Church Farm, Rode – 8 homes
• West Road, Lympsham – 8 homes
• Wentworth Drive, Bleadon – 3 homes

It has also committed to delivering the following sites by the end of the following financial year:

• Charity Farm, Ashcott – 25 homes
• Elworthy Place, Wiveliscombe – 20 homes
• Old Wells Road, Glastonbury – 18 homes
• Foxes Run, Castle Cary – 14 homes
• Morrish site, Butleigh – 10 homes
• Unspecified site, Tintinhull – 10 homes

The company has already got locations lined up for the other 456 homes it has promised to deliver, but cannot disclose the information at this juncture due to commercial sensitivity.

Development director Gareth Jones said: "It is great to be able celebrate rural

housing and the vital role it plays in helping to sustain thriving rural communities.

"We are committed to strengthening and supporting rural communities by creating access to excellent affordable housing.

"We know the huge difference affordable rural homes make to local people who want to stay in the area in which they work or have family links.

"Housing associations have a key role to play in connecting local communities coupled with providing homes that people love to live in.

"Over the past year we have delivered over 219 homes in rural locations in the South West and we are stepping up our delivery.

"We need to challenge the sector to increase the supply of affordable rural housing and contribute positively to ensuring a thriving countryside."