Twenty-four newly built homes on Foldhill Lane in Martock, near the A303, could finally be occupied before the end of the year following the resolution of ongoing legal challenges.
Stonewater Housing Association obtained planning permission in March 2024 to construct these 24 affordable homes opposite the La Fontana dementia nursing home. Despite construction finishing almost a year ago, none of the homes have been inhabited due to unresolved legal issues between the developer and Somerset Council concerning the ownership of a crucial piece of land near the site’s main access point.
The council has confirmed it is actively working with Stonewater to divide the outstanding work on the site, aiming to enable local families to move in as soon as possible.
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This matter gained attention after David Polson raised concerns on behalf of his former partner and their four-year-old daughter, Indie, who are among those eagerly waiting to move into the new homes. Indie, a non-verbal autistic child attending a special school in Yeovil, has been living since June 2025 in a house of multiple occupation (HMO) which restricts visitors due to safeguarding policies. This situation has left the family feeling isolated and lacking the support they need, heightening the urgency to move into the affordable new housing.
Mr Polson expressed frustration in February: “Amid a housing crisis, there seems to be no urgency to occupy these brand-new homes. The visitor restrictions at the HMO are severely affecting my daughter’s emotional wellbeing and development. The council assured us that this arrangement would be temporary when my ex first moved in.”
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, provided an update confirming that the disputed land is owned neither by Stonewater nor the council. To resolve the access issues, the highway works have been split into two phases: the site access and associated works as the first, and a pedestrian link to existing infrastructure as the second. The revised legal agreement is now completed, with priority given to delivering access works quickly.
While no specific timeline was provided due to various variables, Councillor Rigby assured that all involved parties are aware of the project’s importance and are committed to moving forward. He acknowledged the distress caused to the families waiting for relocation and affirmed ongoing efforts to expedite the scheme.
Recently, the council approved two planning applications related to the development: one to allow some highway improvements after occupation, and another for public artwork design on the site.
The project experienced previous delays extending nearly four years due to Somerset’s county-wide phosphates crisis, requiring additional environmental mitigation to protect the Levels and Moors.
Matt Crucefix, Stonewater’s director of development operations, emphasized the complexity of the legal and land issues causing delays. He said, “We deeply understand the frustration these setbacks have caused. However, necessary agreements with the local authority are now in place, and our priority is to advance the access works swiftly. We remain committed to working closely with all partners to move this project forward.”
Residents and stakeholders alike await the long-overdue resolution that will finally open doors to these ready and affordable homes.