Twenty-four newly constructed affordable homes in the village of Martock, situated near the A303, have remained vacant for nearly a year due to unresolved legal issues between the developers and Somerset Council.
Stonewater Housing Association received planning permission in March 2024 to build these homes on Foldhill Lane, directly opposite the La Fontana dementia nursing home. Although construction was completed almost a year ago, none of the homes have been occupied due to ongoing delays in finalizing a crucial Section 278 agreement.
David Polson, representing his former partner and their four-year-old daughter Indie—who is non-verbal autistic and attends a special school in Yeovil—has voiced growing frustration over the lack of progress and communication from both Stonewater and the council. Currently, Indie and her mother live in a house of multiple occupation (HMO) that restricts visitors for safeguarding reasons, isolating the family and hindering Indie’s emotional development.
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Polson explained, “Despite nearly a year passing, 24 new homes in Martock stand empty because Somerset Council has yet to complete the necessary highway agreement. There’s been a complete absence of courtesy or clear updates, which feels especially disheartening amid the ongoing housing crisis.”
A Section 278 agreement allows developers to make improvements to adopted highways, such as constructing safe access points and pavements. At the Martock site, estate roads remain unfinished and access is fenced off.
Recently, the council approved applications related to off-site highway work and public art within the development. The project itself was delayed by nearly four years due to a county-wide phosphates issue that required mitigation measures to protect local environmental sites.
While Somerset Council declined to directly address Polson’s complaint, it acknowledged the distress caused and cited land ownership issues as part of the delay. A spokesperson stated, “We are working closely with Stonewater to modify highway mitigation and planning consents to enable occupancy as soon as possible.”
Stonewater’s development director, Matt Crucefix, expressed empathy for affected families and reiterated the housing association’s commitment to resolving the delays promptly. “We recognize the impact on residents and are focusing all efforts on completing the remaining steps,” he said. “External technical requirements like the Section 278 agreement can add complexity, but ongoing collaboration with the council is key.”
Both parties emphasize their dedication to expediting the process to ensure that these much-needed affordable homes can finally welcome residents without further delay.