Nearly 200 more homes could be on the horizon for a burgeoning Somerset town near the M5, pending approval of new plans.
Gladman Developments hinted at proposals in early May for a new development of 210 homes on Newton Road on the eastern fringe of North Petherton, just west of the motorway.
Following the green light for its initial plans (known as a screening and scoping request), the Congleton-based developer has initiated a consultation on its revised vision for the site, with the number of homes being slightly reduced to 190.
Local residents now have the opportunity to provide their feedback before a formal planning application is submitted to Somerset Council ahead of Christmas – with a final decision expected by summer 2026.
The proposed homes will be constructed on agricultural land north of Petherton Park School, with vehicle access provided from Newton Road (and a pedestrian link onto Meadow Place).
The site is situated opposite three adjacent development sites within North Petherton – the Chaucer's Meadow estate (comprising 72 homes delivered by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley), the Royal View estate (comprising 130 homes built by Barratt Homes) and an additional development of 33 houses by West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd.
Of the 190 homes planned for the site under these latest plans, 57 will be affordable – meeting the council's 30 per cent target for any new greenfield development of ten homes or more within the former Sedgemoor area.
A spokesperson for Gladman Developments said: "The delivery of up to 190 homes on the site at Newton Road responds to the need for housing within Somerset.
"Somerset Council needs to deliver 3,773 dwellings per year as per the government's standard method.
"With the creation of new homes and gardens and the introduction of new trees and hedgerows, the living environment will be enhanced for the benefit of residents and wildlife alike.
"An expert highways consultant has undertaken surveys, and they consider that the additional number of car journeys would not make a significant impact on the current network.
"While there would not be capacity for a school or health facilities, a contribution will be made to accommodate the additional residents from the development.
"Our surface water strategy will ensure that no more water runs off the site post-development than currently is the case; it has also been designed to take the impact of climate change into consideration."
Persimmon Homes had previously sought to build 140 homes on the same site, but Sedgemoor District Council rejected the application in 2017 – a ruling later supported by the Planning Inspectorate in 2018.
Once the consultation concludes, Gladman will lodge an outline planning application with Somerset Council for official consideration, which will trigger additional public consultation.
Decisions are also anticipated by spring on two additional housing projects – one for 175 homes on the western side of the A38 Taunton Road (near the local rugby club), and another for 45 homes, a medical home and a new medical centre at the northern end of the town (north of the football club and adjacent to Park Lane).
