A proposed development in Somerset could bring over 170 new homes to the area near North Petherton Rugby Club.
Property developer North Petherton LVA LLP has put forward a plan to construct 175 houses along the A38 Taunton Road, situated at the southern end of North Petherton, a short distance from the rugby club.
The development involves building homes on agricultural fields on either side of Daws Lane, positioned between Agri Fruit Ltd's Follyfoot Farm and existing residential properties along the main road.
Somerset Council is scheduled to review and decide on the initial proposal by the end of the year.
The site is directly opposite the 72-home Chaucer's Meadow housing estate, built by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, and is close to two other housing developments north of the rugby club.
The new homes would be accessible via a new junction on Taunton Road, just north of the Beggars' Brook lay-by, which serves as the entrance and exit to the rugby club.
Development plans indicate that the homes will be constructed on either side of Daws Lane, which will be repurposed as a pedestrian path. The plan includes 70 homes to the north and 105 homes to the south.
Out of the 175 homes planned for the site, which will range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, 30 per cent - 53 homes - are to be classified as affordable. Additionally, the developer plans to create a sizeable "meadow parkland" with walking paths along the northern edge of the site, as well as establish a new wetland area at the southern edge, near the existing watercourse.
A spokesperson for Clifton Emery Design (on behalf of the applicant) stated: "The proposed development is complementary to the locality and will provide new homes with generous associated open space that would add positively to the local area, in a manner that is sensitive to its context.
"The layout promotes activity, social interaction and inclusion through design and the interplay between buildings, streets and spaces.
"It (will) establish pedestrian and cycle connections throughout the development, as well as to existing footpaths and the road network, providing easy access to facilities and amenities in the local area.
"Overall the proposed development represents a sensible proposition in an appropriate location."
Significant housing growth is anticipated in North Petherton in the forthcoming years due to the ongoing delivery of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and the construction of the new 'gigafactory' at the Gravity enterprise zone.
In addition to the existing developments at the southern edge, Gladman Developments has hinted at proposals for 210 homes between Newton Road and the M5, north of the Petherton Park School.
West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. also plans to deliver 45 new homes near Park Lane, along with a new medical centre, a 66-bed care home, a new scout hut and a junior cricket pitch.
The council is expected to make a decision on the Taunton Road proposals by early autumn.
