In a bold move to address a pressing issue, a community housing organization is looking to revitalize the abandoned site of an old paper mill in Watchet, Somerset, aiming to create affordable rental homes for residents. This initiative, led by Base for Life, seeks to transform the Wansborough paper mill—operational from 1652 until its closure in 2015—into properties that the community can own and manage.
The site, considered the largest brownfield area in western Somerset, was purchased by Tameer Homes, a London-based developer, for £4 million back in December 2018, as documented by the Land Registry. Initially, Tameer had ambitious plans to construct a total of 350 residential units along with a hotel, leisure amenities, business spaces, and a public parking facility. However, these plans fell through during the pandemic, and other potential buyers' interests in the site also failed to materialize, according to reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
In a recent statement made just before Christmas, Somerset Council confirmed that there has been a notable lack of activity regarding planning applications for this site for an extended period, indicating a stall in development efforts.
Now, Base for Life has announced that it is re-engaging with Tameer to discuss the possibility of developing rental properties on the site. This not-for-profit organization aims to secure funding from various regional and national sources to support its housing projects.
At the organization’s annual general meeting held in late November, Chairwoman Liz McGrath expressed her concerns about the widening gap between the wealthy and those struggling financially. "The income disparity has escalated significantly, with housing prices and rents soaring far beyond local wages," she explained. "As a result, numerous families find themselves trapped in expensive, low-security rentals that vary greatly in quality. Relying solely on private investment to resolve the housing crisis simply isn’t effective."
This initiative raises important questions about community-driven solutions versus traditional development models. Can local organizations really provide better answers to housing shortages than large, profit-focused developers? What are your thoughts on this approach? Join the conversation and share your opinions!
