Plans submitted for new church near Martock housing estate
Somerset Council to decide on church hall near Foldhill Lane
Plans have been submitted for the construction of a new church hall near a Somerset housing estate in Martock, which has seen long-running legal discussions related to its development.
Stonewater Housing Association received planning permission in March 2024 to build 24 homes on Foldhill Lane in Martock, opposite the La Fontana dementia nursing home. Although the homes were completed in 2025, they have only recently begun to be occupied following the resolution of legal issues with Somerset Council.
Placket Construction Ltd. now seeks approval to build a new church hall north-east of the existing homes. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals before Christmas.
Proposed Development Details
The church hall site is located near the junction of Foldhill Lane and Ash Lane, close to the housing estate. Access will be gained from a new junction on Foldhill Lane, with footpaths linking the estate and extending into the church car park.
The proposed car park will offer 20 spaces, including a disabled space and an electric vehicle charging point. The church hall aims to provide 160 sq m of space for services, meetings, and events and could be hired out by community groups.
A spokesperson for Boon Brown Architects said, “Martock is recognised as a rural centre and an appropriate location for new development. The church hall would enhance local community facilities and should therefore be supported. The proposal has evolved to satisfactorily address any constraints that exist and maximise the opportunities on the site.”
Opposition from Martock Parish Council
Martock Parish Council has recommended refusing the plans, citing no local need for the facility. Administrative assistant Samantha Brayshaw added, “There is no identified need for a church or community facility at this location. The development is wholly outside the settlement boundary identified in the Martock Neighbourhood Plan and the criteria identified within said plan to justify development beyond the settlement boundary are not satisfied.”
She also raised concerns about the risk of flooding due to the proposed development cutting across a public footpath.
Somerset Council is anticipated to make a decision within the next six months.