Tilia Homes, part of the untypical Group, has officially started construction on two new developments in Somerset, marking another milestone in the delivery of much-needed, high-quality homes across the region.

Groundbreaking ceremonies have taken place at The Old Nursery in Sandford and Poets Garden in Nether Stowey, where a combined 93 new homes will be delivered, including 34 affordable homes in partnership with local housing providers.

Together, the developments reflect untypical's commitment to creating sustainable, thoughtfully designed communities that respond to local housing need while enhancing the natural environment.

At The Old Nursery in Sandford, Tilia Homes is delivering 35 three, four and five-bedroom homes, including 11 affordable properties provided in partnership with Alliance Homes. Located alongside the popular Strawberry Line walking and cycling route, the development has been designed to encourage sustainable travel while providing easy access to local amenities.

Meanwhile, work is underway at Poets Garden in Nether Stowey following planning approval from Somerset Council in June 2024. Named in recognition of the village's literary heritage, where Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth developed the influential Lyrical Ballads, the development will deliver 58 homes, including 23 affordable properties in partnership with Homes in Somerset.

 

Ross Faragher, Regional Managing Director for untypical's Western Region, said:

"It's fantastic to see construction underway at both The Old Nursery and Poets Garden as we continue delivering much-needed new homes across Somerset.

"Together, these developments will provide a wide range of high-quality, energy-efficient homes, including a significant number of affordable properties, helping more local people and families remain within the communities they know and love.

"We're equally committed to creating places that respect and enhance their surroundings, with generous green spaces, biodiversity improvements and low-carbon technology helping to create communities that will benefit both residents and wildlife for many years to come."

Planning permission for The Old Nursery was granted by North Somerset Council in July 2025, while Poets Garden received planning approval from Somerset Council in June 2024.

Sarah McQuatt, Service Director for New Homes at Alliance Homes, said:

"I'm pleased that these new social rent and shared ownership homes, secured through the planning system, are taking shape in Sandford.

"Providing access to high-quality, affordable housing is essential for thriving communities, and these homes will help local people and families remain in the area and put down roots.

"I look forward to seeing the homes completed to the highest quality and to welcoming our customers to the scheme."

Alex Williams, Housing Development Project Officer at Homes in Somerset, said:

"We're excited to mark the start of construction for these much-needed homes at Poets Garden, Nether Stowey.

"Homes in Somerset, together with Somerset Council and contractor Tilia Homes, are committed to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient properties that reflect local affordable housing need and help strengthen the community.

"This project stands as a fantastic example of collaboration and our shared ambition to provide homes that truly make a difference for local people."

Both developments have been designed with sustainability at their core. Every home will feature air source heat pumps and EV charging points, supporting residents in reducing energy consumption and embracing low-carbon living.

Nature and biodiversity also play a central role in both schemes. At The Old Nursery, residents will benefit from a shared orchard, landscaped attenuation pond and attractive open green spaces, while the development will deliver a 10.14% Biodiversity Net Gain for habitats and 45.87% for hedgerows, exceeding North Somerset Council's requirements.

Poets Garden will include extensive new tree and wildflower planting, wildlife-friendly features such as bird boxes, bee bricks and bug hotels, as well as wildlife-sensitive lighting designed to support bats, birds, bees and hedgehogs.

Ross added:

"Modern housebuilding can, and must, work in harmony with the local environment. By integrating low-carbon technology alongside ambitious biodiversity measures, we're creating sustainable communities that will have a positive impact long after construction is complete.

"As work progresses, we remain committed to being considerate neighbours and maintaining open communication with the local communities throughout construction."

For more information about homes available at The Old Nursery, email theoldnursery@tiliahomes.co.uk. For Poets Garden, email poetsgarden@tiliahomes.co.uk