Nearly 200 new homes are set to be built on the western outskirts of Yeovil, following the approval of two separate plans by local councillors. The Abbey Manor Group, which has been gradually developing the Bunford Park commercial site, will deliver these homes through its sister company, Abbey Manor Developments.
The development will be located south of the business park, with access from Watercombe Lane. Somerset Council's planning committee south has given the green light to both applications, indicating that construction could commence within the next year.
The sites are situated west of Watercombe Lane, between the Bunford Park site and the Bunford Heights development off the A30 West Coker Road. Access will be provided via a new junction on Watercombe Lane, potentially offering secondary access to the business park as it continues to expand.
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Improved pedestrian links will also be established between the new homes and the Bunford Heights development. The plans propose 100 homes near the main road, divided into two phases of 53 and 47 properties respectively, with an additional 85 houses to be built further west at a later stage.
Across both housing developments, only 15 per cent of the properties will be classified as affordable, translating to roughly 28 homes – matching the proportion scheduled for delivery at the Up Mudford urban extension to the northeast of the town.
These projects do not meet the local council's affordability goals, which aim for 35 per cent affordable housing in new developments of ten or more homes within the former South Somerset district. The shortfall is attributed to land viability issues cited by the developers.
Moreover, the housing schemes will contribute almost £392,000 towards early years placements in Yeovil and about £104,000 to enhance NHS services, with plans to expand nearby doctors' surgeries.
Community benefits also include nearly £247,000 for local playgrounds and children's play areas, over £144,000 towards new changing rooms, upwards of £117,000 for brand-new playing fields, and more than £42,000 allocated for youth facilities in the area.
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During a meeting held by the council's planning committee south, less than a mile from the construction site, Cllr Andy Kendall (Yeovil Central) voiced his concerns regarding the potential increase in traffic in that part of Yeovil.
He recalled: "When the Yeovil western corridor was done years ago, it had an assessment by our highways team, and it works perfectly well.
"The slip road at the Westlands roundabout moves the traffic out of this town quite reasonably. Can we have assurance that this is going to work – that it won't cause any issues?"
A council highways team spokesman, who did not give his name during the meeting, assured: "We have looked at the improvements on the western corridor, including the slip road out towards the A303.
"This development will link into the new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure coming on stream, along with the existing public rights of way.
"Evidence is coming forward that the covid crisis actually lowered the traffic figures on the entire road network, because of changes in working practices."
Cllr Sue Osborne from Ilminster raised concerns about affordable housing and asked: "Is there any opportunity for any funding into this scheme from Homes England? That may give us an opportunity to increase the affordable housing at a late date."
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In response, planning officer Dawn de Vries indicated: "There are various grants which become available from time to time, but they sit outside of any planning legal agreements. They will need to be part of a consideration for elected members."
The site's location within the Somerset Levels and Moors catchment area has necessitated additional measures by the developer to ensure no net increase in phosphates, protecting the integrity of the Ramsar site.
To mitigate the environmental impact of new housing developments, developers are mandated to either purchase a set number of phosphate credits—created by setting aside agricultural land—or propose an alternative solution, such as constructing wetlands or a wastewater treatment facility, before commencing construction.
Cllr Peter Seib, representing Brympton which adjoins the site, expressed his satisfaction with the developer's response to concerns about planting on the western boundary: "I am pleased that the developer has addressed concerns about planting on the western edge."
He also commended the efforts to integrate the development with the surrounding area, adding, "I also appreciate the efforts that have been made to ensure connectivity with the wider area. I have to say, on balance, I'm minded to support this."
The committee unanimously voted in favour of the plans, with 12 votes for and one abstention.
Meanwhile, Abbey Manor Group is engaging with the community regarding their proposal for a new David Lloyd leisure centre on 'Plot E' at Bunford Park, which is adjacent to the new homes.
The proposed leisure centre would boast outdoor tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a children's soft play area, and a gym among other amenities.
A decision from the council on these plans is anticipated later in the year.