Twenty-four newly constructed affordable homes in the village of Martock, near the A303, have remained unoccupied for almost a year due to unresolved legal issues between the developer and Somerset Council.
Stonewater Housing Association received planning permission in March 2024 to build these homes on Foldhill Lane, opposite the La Fontana dementia nursing home. Construction was completed nearly a year ago, yet none of the homes have been occupied because of outstanding legal hurdles, primarily a delayed Section 278 agreement concerning highway improvements.
David Polson, advocating for his former partner and their four-year-old daughter Indie—who is non-verbal autistic and attends a special needs school in Yeovil—has expressed deep frustration at the lack of clear communication and action. Indie and her mother have been living in a house of multiple occupation (HMO) with strict visitor restrictions due to safeguarding policies, causing feelings of isolation and impacting Indie’s emotional well-being.
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Mr Polson stated, “These 24 new homes remain empty because Somerset Council has failed to finalize the Section 278 agreement, preventing us from moving in. Despite the housing crisis, there seems to be no urgency to resolve this, and we have received no meaningful responses.”
A Section 278 agreement is essential for developers to carry out necessary alterations to adopted highways, such as installing pavements or ensuring safe access to the properties. Currently, estate roads on the north side of the site are unfinished, and the entrance remains fenced off, barring public entry.
Somerset Council recently approved applications for off-site highway improvements to be completed after occupation and for the installation of public artwork at the site. However, legal and land-ownership issues continue to stall the full opening of the homes.
The project itself has faced significant delays—initially held up by a four-year phosphorus crisis that required additional environmental mitigation to protect the Somerset Levels and Moors.
In response to the situation, Somerset Council acknowledged the distress caused and apologized to affected families. A spokesperson explained that they are collaborating with Stonewater to adjust highway mitigation plans and planning consents to enable occupancy as soon as possible.
Stonewater’s Director of Development Operations, Matt Crucefix, said, “We understand the impact these delays have had and are prioritizing the family’s move-in. Complex external requirements like Section 278 agreements can complicate final stages, but we continue working closely with the council to resolve these issues swiftly and safely.”
Both partners emphasize their commitment to clearing remaining obstacles and ensuring the homes are occupied without further delay, aiming to support families in need of affordable housing opportunities.