250-home development proposed on edge of North Petherton
New housing estate near King's Cliff woodland would include 75 affordable homes, landscaping and community green space
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
Up to 250 new homes could be built near a popular stretch of Somerset woodland if new plans are ultimately green-lit.
North Petherton has seen significant housing growth in the last decade, putting pressure on local services and reducing the green buffer between the town and the southern edge of Bridgwater.
Numerous new housing proposals are currently at various stages of consultation at either end of the town, along with a new GP surgery to replace the existing facility on Church Walk.
Barwood Land has now published details of a new development of 250 homes on Shovel Lane – less than a mile from the King’s Cliff forest walk within the Quantock Hills.
The site lies to the west of Shovel Lane, south of a planned development of 140 homes by Bloor Homes South West accessed off Dancing Hill.
Access will be achieved through a new junction at the south-east corner directly onto the A38 Taunton Road, with Shovel Lane being access through a new T-junction.
Pedestrian access will be provided onto Shovel Lane at the north-eastern corner and onto Cliff Road at the northern end of the site, putting new residents only a short walk from the King’s Cliff area (which is managed by Forestry England).
In line with the existing Sedgemoor Local Plan, 30 per cent of the new homes intended for the site will be affordable – the equivalent of 75 properties.
The site will also include a community orchard, along with extensive landscaping at the western edge of the site to provide a green buffer with the neighbouring countryside.
A spokesperson for Carney Sweeney (representing the applicant) said: “These new homes will be supported by substantial landscaping and infrastructure improvements to create a well-connected, attractive and vibrant neighbourhood.
“The site is a short walk from North Petherton and its array of services including a convenience store, surgery, post office, school, rugby club (with gym), football club, play park and a variety of pubs, restaurants and takeaway establishments.
“It is also served by bus services which provide a regular service to Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and Taunton, making it a sustainable location for growth.
“The land’s existing landscape features, including hedgerows can be protected, with the opportunity to form a robust and attractive landscape framework to provide further modest expansion to the town and much- needed new homes.”
Residents wishing to give their views on the initial designs of the proposed Shovel Lane development should visit www.carneysweeney.co.uk/consultations/shovel-lane.html or email [email protected] by July 6.
Following the conclusion of this consultation, Barwood Lane will compile residents’ feedback and submit an outline planning application to Somerset Council by the late-summer.
The council will subsequently carry out additional consultation with local residents and statutory bodies (including North Petherton Town Council), with a decision being expected early in the new year.
Due to the scale and significance of these plans, such a decision may be taken in public by its planning committee north (which handles major applications within the former Sedgemoor area), rather than through the delegated powers of its planning officers.
Barwood Land, which is based just outside Northampton, is also consulting on plans for 360 homes, a community hub and a new country park at the northern edge of Frome, which would be accessed from the B3090 Oldford Hill.