A new housing development near the M5 in Somerset is set to deliver over £3.2 million in investment for local community services. Bellway South West has commenced construction on Celtic Gardens, a 100-home estate in Creech St. Michael, following their purchase of the site from Gladman Developments.
Gladman secured outline planning permission on appeal in February 2024 to build up to 100 homes on North End, Creech St. Michael, just east of the M5 near Taunton. Bellway subsequently obtained detailed planning consent from Somerset Council in October 2025 to proceed with the development.
Celtic Gardens will offer 25 affordable homes, aligning with the council’s policy to provide affordable housing on developments of ten or more properties within the former Taunton Deane area. Situated on a 14-acre site at the village’s northern edge, the estate will incorporate more than six acres of public open space, including a central green with a children’s play area, walking paths, wildlife habitats, and 30 allotments for residents to grow their own produce.
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Connectivity will be enhanced through a pedestrian link to existing sports facilities near Hyde Lane. The site is bordered by the M5 motorway, which separates Creech St. Michael from the nearby Monkton Heathfield urban extension.
Through a Section 106 agreement, Bellway has committed over £1.7 million specifically for village facilities, with £1.5 million earmarked for expanding nursery, primary, secondary, and special needs education provisions in and around Creech St. Michael. Additionally, the developer will contribute more than £2 million through the community infrastructure levy (CIL), funds that will be pooled with contributions from other developments to support larger infrastructure projects, such as school expansions.
Sales Director Sophie Schofield highlighted the benefits: “Celtic Gardens will provide much-needed new homes, including affordable options for those unable to enter the housing market. The development’s design centers on community green spaces and sustainability, featuring solar panels and EV charging points on every home.”
Market homes will range from three to five bedrooms, while affordable units will vary from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses, offered as social rent, shared ownership, or First Homes. Residents will enjoy proximity to essential local amenities such as the village school, shop, and doctor’s surgery.
Bellway’s recent projects in Somerset include 60 homes at Peregrine View in Cheddar and 53 houses at Lavender Rise in Axbridge. With strong interest already in Celtic Gardens, Bellway plans to launch sales in July, open an on-site sales office later this year, and have the first homes ready for occupancy early next year.