More than 40 new homes and a 67-space car park will soon be developed in the market town of Crewkerne, Somerset, following the approval of updated planning proposals.
The site, formerly home to Millers Garage on East Street (A30), has been targeted for redevelopment for over a decade. South Somerset District Council purchased the location in late 2014 for £225,000. Initially, the council planned to build a standalone 60-space car park to complement the existing Henhayes car park, securing permission in 2019.
However, in November 2022, a shift in strategy led senior councillors to support integrating the car park into a housing development proposed by Stonewater housing association. Stonewater initially aimed for 50 homes alongside a 75-space car park. After negotiations with Somerset Council planners—the successor to the district council—plans were revised to 44 homes and a 67-space car park with no direct connection to Henhayes car park to prevent shortcut traffic.
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These changes received approval from the council’s planning committee south on April 21, despite opposition from local residents worried about traffic impacts and the lack of green space.
The development will feature a widened access onto the A30, enhancing ingress and egress for both new residents and those at neighboring Wyvern Court. There is potential to extend the existing 20mph speed limit near the site, subject to separate consultation, to further improve safety.
Connectivity will be a key feature, with a pedestrian and cycle path along the development’s southern boundary linking to an existing public footpath through Crewkerne Business Park towards A356 South Street.
Of the 44 homes planned, 16 will be affordable, aligning with the council’s policy that 35% of homes on sites of ten or more must meet affordability targets.
Stonewater will also contribute over £160,000 in community funds: approximately £131,000 for public open space enhancements around Crewkerne, and more than £29,000 to expand GP surgeries, building on a recent £1 million central government investment in the local health centre.
Local resident Pat Lunt, addressing the planning committee, cited a petition with over 1,500 signatures advocating for a park on the site instead of housing. He noted that the site clashes with the town’s Local Plan, which designates growth towards the Wool Gardens site, and expressed concerns about speeding if the 20mph zone is shifted.
Fletcher Robinson from CPRE Somerset emphasized the value of the site as open space, envisioning a park linked to existing recreational areas with natural walking routes—filling a current deficiency for informal green spaces near Crewkerne’s center.
Julie Chant, representing the Space4Crewkerne group, raised concerns about the pay-and-display nature of the new car park and questioned oversight measures to ensure timely delivery of car park infrastructure, including parts like the attenuation tank.
Crewkerne councillor Steve Ashton warned that the new access could exacerbate congestion, comparing it to frequent jams experienced near the Waitrose car park, while Lib Dem councillor Tim Kerley highlighted the urgent need for social housing and found no defendable grounds to refuse the proposals despite residents' concerns.
Following deliberations, the committee approved the plans with an eight to two vote, with one member abstaining, moving the development a step closer to realization.