Plans to build up to 65 new homes in the Somerset village of Street have been approved, despite ongoing concerns about road safety at the development’s access point. Crossman Acquisitions Ltd., a Bath-based developer, originally proposed up to 71 homes on Moorland Road near the village’s household waste recycling centre, but reduced the number to 65 after discussions with Somerset Council planners.
The development, located at the northern edge of Street adjacent to existing allotments and the Moorland Road estate, will extend Moorland Road northwards to provide access. The site will also feature a children’s play area near the entrance. Of the 65 homes, 20 will be affordable, meeting the council’s 30% target for developments of this size in the former Mendip area.
Environmental considerations are being addressed by creating a wildflower meadow to the east of the site, helping offset any phosphate increase from the new homes. Additional land between Cemetery Lane and the South Drain will be set aside to deliver a significant biodiversity net gain.
Initially, the developer planned to contribute just £1,500 toward expanding local NHS services, particularly at the Vine Surgery on Hindhayes Lane. However, NHS Somerset requested a substantial increase, bringing the funding contribution to nearly £40,000.
Local resident Matthew Dobbins voiced strong criticism during the planning committee meeting held in Shepton Mallet on April 7. A statement read on his behalf highlighted that the plans failed to meet national safety standards for access road width. He questioned why the developers chose Moorland Road over Strawberry Hill, which already has speed-reducing measures and safer road dimensions. Dobbins warned that approving the plans would create a permanent safety hazard in contradiction to national policy.
Councillor Liz Leyshon, representing the Street division, defended the development as crucial for addressing the village’s pressing demand for affordable housing, especially for young people. She referenced other ongoing projects, including a nearby site at Cemetery Lane and a larger planned development of 280 homes on Somerton Road. Leyshon also highlighted recent improvements to local infrastructure, such as new traffic lights and resurfacing along the bypass, as well as efforts to enhance local play areas through partnerships between Street Parish Council and Somerset Council.
The council had earlier approved 33 low-cost homes at Cemetery Lane and granted permission for the 280-home Somerton Road scheme, which forms part of the Mendip Local Plan Part II to meet the housing needs in Street by 2029. A new active travel path along the A39 Westway will also improve walking and cycling connections to Clarks Village and the High Street.
Frome East Green councillor Helen Kay praised the sustainable design features of the new homes, including quality glazing, solar panels, and air source heat pumps. She raised concerns about soil preservation during construction to minimize carbon release and noted that houses are planned to be raised 30cm above ground level to mitigate flood risk.
After around an hour of debate, the planning committee approved the outline plans unanimously with six votes in favor and four abstentions. A detailed reserved matters application, outlining the design and layout of the homes, is expected before Christmas.