Plans to build up to 25 new homes at Greenway Farm on North Street, at the northern edge of Wiveliscombe, have been approved by Somerset Council’s planning committee west. The development, proposed by Taunton-based Summerfield Developments, was met with concern over traffic congestion and flooding risks from local councillors but was ultimately approved due to the pressing need for rural housing.
Located near the boundary of Exmoor National Park, the site borders Greenway Lane to the south and established neighborhoods on Plain Pond and surrounding streets to the east. The development will feature a new access road connecting to North Street, positioned between the existing entrances to Allenside Close and Plain Pond, while retaining the existing farm track at the northern edge.
Of the 25 homes, seven will be designated as affordable housing, slightly surpassing the 25% target set for developments of this scale within the former Taunton Deane area. The development will also include landscaping to the site’s perimeter and a designated area to achieve the required ten percent biodiversity net gain.
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Given Wiveliscombe’s location within the River Tone catchment area, the scheme incorporates phosphate mitigation measures to protect the Somerset Levels and Moors. Summerfield plans to upgrade a nearby septic tank serving five neighboring homes to a sophisticated treatment plant that will chemically reduce phosphates before they enter local waterways.
Despite the scheme’s approval, local Green Party Councillor Dave Mansell voiced serious concerns during the planning meeting. Mansell highlighted ongoing parking shortages in the town, potential increases in congestion on North Street, and consistent flooding issues caused by outdated drains. He warned that while housing growth is necessary, critical infrastructure improvements have been neglected.
Other committee members echoed similar worries. Independent Councillor Gwilym Wren criticized the decision to build outside the settlement boundary, emphasizing increased traffic pressures through the already congested town center and shortcomings in the flood risk assessments.
Conversely, Liberal Democrat Councillor Marcus Kravis acknowledged the traffic issues but suggested that a development of 25 houses alone was unlikely to cause demonstrable harm. He recommended further details on drainage solutions during the reserved matters stage. Fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor Habib Farbahi highlighted the delivery of seven much-needed affordable homes within walking distance of the town center, while Conservative Councillor Steven Pugsley urged the committee to balance concerns with the benefits.
After about an hour of debate, the planning committee approved the development by a vote of seven to four. Summerfield Developments plans to submit a reserved matters application within the next year, offering detailed designs and layouts for the new homes.