Imagine a historic paper mill, once a bustling hub of industry, now standing derelict—a symbol of untapped potential in the heart of Watchet, Somerset. But what if this forgotten site could become the solution to a pressing housing crisis? That’s exactly what one community-led initiative is aiming to achieve. Here’s the story: A community housing company, Base for Life, is on a mission to transform the Wansborough paper mill—operational from 1652 to 2015—into affordable, community-owned rental homes. And this is the part most people miss: while previous developers’ plans fizzled out, Base for Life believes local solutions are the key to breaking the deadlock. But here’s where it gets controversial: Chairwoman Liz McGrath boldly asserts, ‘Local people are better equipped to solve housing issues than central government or private interests.’ Is she right? Let’s dive in.
The mill, a sprawling brownfield site and the largest of its kind in west Somerset, was purchased by London-based Tameer Homes for £4 million in 2018. Tameer’s ambitious plans—350 homes, a hotel, leisure facilities, and more—were shelved during the pandemic. Subsequent buyers showed interest but failed to move forward, leaving the site dormant for months, according to Somerset Council. Now, Base for Life has stepped in, engaging with Tameer to propose a fresh vision: rental properties funded through regional and national grants. This not-for-profit organization argues that private investment alone isn’t enough to tackle the housing crisis, especially as the gap between wages and housing costs widens. McGrath highlights the stark reality: ‘Families are trapped in expensive, insecure rentals with no better options.’
But is community-led housing the answer, or is it too idealistic? Base for Life’s approach challenges traditional models, but can it succeed where others have failed? As Watchet waits for change, one thing is clear: this mill’s future could redefine how we address affordable housing. What do you think? Is local action the solution, or does the scale of the crisis demand bigger players? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a conversation!
