A major land promoter has hinted at plans to construct over 100 new homes on the western outskirts of Wells.
The smallest city in Somerset has been a hotbed for housing developers recently, with numerous sites gaining planning permission and seeing construction progress.
Gleeson Land Ltd secured outline planning approval on appeal last August to build up to 50 new homes at the New House Farm site, situated off the A371 Portway, south of Wells Touring Park.
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The Fleet-based company has now unveiled early details of another proposed housing project west of the touring park, which would result in 116 new houses being erected on the north side of the B3139 Wookey Road.
The initial plans, referred to as a screening option request, propose the new residences be constructed between the touring park and the main road, with a green buffer zone at the western edge near the River Axe.
While this site was not included in either part of the Mendip Local Plan, Gleeson Land has argued that "the changing context of the area", given other developments, makes it a suitable location for new housing.
In addition to the New House Farm site, Somerset Council gave the green light to plans for 47 homes on the B3139 Elm Close in January, with a decision still pending on revised plans for 100 homes immediately to the east.
A spokesperson for Armstrong Rigg Planning, representing the promoter, stated that the proposed homes were a fitting response to "the continued deterioration in housing delivery" across the former Mendip area, compounded by delays in formulating the new Somerset Local Plan, which might not be finalised until mid-2029.
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The spokesperson further detailed: "The site extends to 9.4 hectares and currently comprises three agricultural fields separated by trees and hedgerows running north-south through the site.
"The site is bounded to the west and north-west by open farmland and the River Axe and to the north by land proposed in the Local Plan Part II for the relocation of Wells Rugby Club.
"It is located in an area of growth with undeveloped land between it and the existing built edge of Wells now having planning permission (or a resolution to grant) for housing development."
Of the 116 homes envisioned for the site, 40 per cent will be affordable, equating to 46 properties, with the homes varying from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.
Besides a new access onto Wookey Road, the development would improve an existing public right of way traversing the western part of the site, and would link up to other planned walking and cycling routes on and around the B3139.
The site would also feature a children's play area and public open space, with existing trees and hedgerows being preserved wherever possible.
Somerset Council is anticipated to deliver an initial decision on the screening request in the coming weeks. Following this, outline plans will be submitted and subjected to broader public consultation.
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