Somerset is set to welcome up to 150 new homes near the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory after local councillors approved outline plans, sparking mixed reactions among residents. The gigafactory, located within the Gravity enterprise zone between Puriton and Woolavington, is under rapid construction and expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs once operational.
Bloor Homes South West revealed plans for the new housing on Cossington Lane at Woolavington’s eastern edge, less than two miles from the gigafactory. The development will include 45 affordable homes, meeting Somerset Council’s target of 30% affordable housing for substantial new developments in the former Sedgemoor area.
Access to the site will be via Cossington Lane, complemented by new pavements leading to local amenities, including the Polden Hills Veterinary Centre and the Lock’s Way active travel route, part of National Cycle Network route 3. Additionally, a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist access will connect residents to the B3141 Woolavington Hill, facilitating easy movement to The Co-operative Food store and the local pharmacy.
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The plan incorporates significant public open space with play areas that serve as a natural buffer between Woolavington and the neighboring village of Cossington. Bloor Homes also committed over £350,000 to improve public transport and local cycle networks, alongside a £100,000 contribution to expand healthcare facilities at the Polden Medical Centre, addressing strain on local services.
Despite these measures, some residents worry about the impact on traffic and local infrastructure. Joe Stradling, a local resident, voiced strong opposition: “This is the wrong place for this development. Traffic is already a problem and will only worsen with potentially 300 additional cars. The schools and medical facilities are stretched, and the community lacks amenities such as a pub.”
Concerns about traffic congestion at the key A39 and B3141 junction were echoed by Woolavington Parish Council chairman Alan Sharp, who pointed out the lack of evidence supporting a reduction in car use despite promises of improved cycling and public transport options.
Although a nearby development plan, which included a new roundabout to relieve congestion, lapsed in March 2025, councillors remain divided on the issue. Councillor Matt Martin expressed concern over increased traffic and construction vehicle movement, while Councillor Alistair Hendry emphasized that average car ownership may be lower than expected and placed trust in highways experts’ assessments.
Councillor Alan Bradford acknowledged traffic challenges but underscored the lack of easy solutions, highlighting changing work patterns and the inevitability of vehicle use in rural areas.
After nearly two hours of discussion, the planning committee approved the development by a vote of five to three, with one abstention. A reserved matters application detailing the design and layout of the homes is anticipated before year-end.
Meanwhile, Somerset Council will soon decide on plans for additional housing nearby, including 170 homes proposed south of Vicarage Road by South West Strategic Developments and 85 homes south of Woolavington Road by Gladman Developments.