Plans for up to 200 new homes near the A303 in Somerset have officially been approved, nearly a year after councillors voted in favour of the development. The project, located near Ilchester, is spearheaded by the Young family, who have farmed in the area for over 100 years from Hainbury Farm on the village’s northern edge.
Ilchester has experienced notable housing growth recently. Linden Homes’ Hainbury Meadows development has expanded the village’s built-up area further north. In May 2023, the Young family revealed proposals for an additional 200 homes just north of Hainbury Meadows, including commercial space, a community hub, car parking, and a sizable nature reserve extending to the dual carriageway.
Although the Somerset Council planning committee south voted to approve the plans in late January 2025, the proposal faced opposition from the local parish council and some residents. Moreover, delays from council officers and legal teams significantly slowed progress. It was only just before Christmas that the Section 106 agreement was finalized and signed, despite early warnings that further delays could jeopardize the project.
The homes will be concentrated along the southern site border, featuring pedestrian links to neighbouring estates and a new vehicular access to the B3151 Somerton Road. The commercial and community hub—potentially including a sports facility, convenience store, or health centre—will be situated near the site entrance, close to the Norseland cheese factory and the village school.
A large portion of the site will be dedicated to a new nature reserve. Additional pedestrian access will be provided from Fosse Way, along with parking for around 40 vehicles and a new bund to reduce noise from the A303.
Of the 200 homes planned, 70 will be affordable, meeting Somerset Council’s target of 35% affordable housing in developments of ten homes or more within the former South Somerset district.
The development also includes significant community investment: nearly £424,000 for early years provision, almost £640,000 earmarked for potential primary school expansion, and more than £169,000 for special needs services. Furthermore, £426,000 will support improvements to youth facilities, sports pitches, and changing rooms, complemented by two new play areas within the site.
Patrick Young, representing the family, voiced frustration during an April 2025 planning committee meeting, highlighting months of stalled communication with council solicitors over the Section 106 agreement. The council apologized and assured that contact would be made promptly, but it was not until September that the draft agreement appeared publicly, with final signoff only in December.
This delay occurred despite emergency measures the council implemented between July and October 2025 to address a backlog of planning applications. Chief Planning Officer Alison Blom-Cooper confirmed the development complies with all relevant policies, citing acceptable highway, ecological, phosphate mitigation, visual, drainage, heritage, and residential impact considerations.
Ilchester falls within the River Yeo catchment, necessitating strict measures to prevent any net phosphate increase affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. To offset impacts, over 25 hectares of agricultural land will remain fallow until 2030, aligning with Wessex Water’s upcoming required upgrade of the local wastewater treatment plant.
A reserved matters application detailing the homes’ design and layout is anticipated for public consultation before year-end, marking the next step in this significant local development.