120 new homes planned at northern edge of scenic Somerset village
Agricultural land west of Lascot Hill could be transformed into a 120-home development under early proposals.
Up to 120 new homes could be built on the northern edge of a scenic Somerset village under new proposals submitted to Somerset Council.
Cavanna Homes South West is currently delivering 109 new homes within the Centenary Heights development on the A39 Quantock Road in Bridgwater – with the council currently considering plans to deliver an additional 275 homes immediately to the west.
The Torquay-based developer has now put forward initial proposals (known as a screening request) for a major development on agricultural land west of Lascot Hill in Wedmore.
If this initial request is approved, more detailed proposals for the site are likely to come forward in the summer.
The site comprises two agricultural fields west of Lascot Hill, with the new homes expected to border the existing estates on Dane’s Lea and St. Medard’s Row.
Access will be from the north-east corner of the site (currently a farm gate), with two existing public rights of way which criss-cross the site both being enhanced through the development.
Of the 120 homes within the site, 36 will be affordable, meeting the 30 per cent target for any new development of ten homes or more within the former Sedgemoor area.
Jonnathan Chick, associate at Nexus Planning (representing the developer) said: “Wedmore benefits from a range of services and facilities that serve both the village itself and a number of the surrounding villages.
“Wedmore is also in proximity of settlements such as Cheddar, Wells and Glastonbury.
“The site is within close proximity to key local services, including Wedmore First School Academy and Nursery, Wedmore Sports Ground, Wedmore Pharmacy, St. Mary’s Church and the village centre, which offers a range of retail and community amenities.”
Part of the site lies within the River Brue catchment area – meaning Cavanna Homes will have to purchase phosphate credits or deliver alternative mitigation to prevent any net increase in phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Wedmore has seen substantial housing growth over the last decade, with Strongvox Homes delivering 89 homes on the Wedmore Grange estate north of the B3139 Blackford Road, east of the first school.
C & P. Developments (Wedmore) Ltd. secured permission for an additional 34 homes on the B3139 Wells Road in July 2024, following a four-year battle.
The council is expected to make a ruling on the Lascot Hill screening request by the early-spring.
Due to the scale and significance of the proposals, any more detailed plans which are submitted after this decision will most likely be determined in public by its planning committee north (which handles major applications within the former Sedgemoor area).