It’s been announced today that an additional 20 social homes are to be built in Pilton, on land donated by the Festival on condition that the homes will serve the local community in perpetuity. This will bring the total number of homes for the project, which was started by Michael Eavis in 1996, to 52.
Housing association, The Guinness Partnership, have held an event to celebrate breaking ground on new development. Guinness are working with the contractor EG Carter & Co Ltd who have commenced works on site.
Michael Eavis said: “Pilton is really important to me – it’s where I was born, where I have lived man and boy, where I have brought up my family, and, of course, it has been home to the festival for more than 50 years now. With rural house prices so often out of reach for local people, this gives villagers, most of whom are working families who live around here, the opportunity to live here for the rest of their lives at a social rent. I started to build these houses 45 years ago with funding from the government and when this scheme is finished, it will bring the total number of houses available to 52. Of all the things I’ve done in my life this is the one I’m most proud of. The Guinness Partnership has really understood what I wanted to achieve and worked with us to ensure the houses fit with the style of the village. I’m really looking forward to seeing the houses being built, people moving in and raising a new generation to enjoy this beautiful area for years to come.”