Plans for an additional 85 new homes have been revealed near Woolavington, Somerset, adjacent to the upcoming £4 billion Agratas gigafactory, marking a significant step in local development tied to the electric vehicle industry. This expansion follows increased interest in housing as the gigafactory, set to begin operations in 2027, progresses within the Gravity enterprise zone.
Woolavington, located east of the enterprise zone, is attracting considerable attention from developers. Gladman Developments has unveiled preliminary proposals for 85 homes on Woolavington Road, seeking community feedback before submitting a formal application to Somerset Council later this year.
The proposed site includes two agricultural fields on the south side of Woolavington Road, positioned opposite the village’s GP surgery and conveniently close to the primary school and 37 Sports and Social Club (which is slated for redevelopment on the eastern edge of Puriton).
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If approved, these homes will be situated between ongoing and proposed projects: 14 affordable houses are currently under construction by SHAL Housing off Lavers Close to the north, while Persimmon Homes Severn Valley plans the extensive ‘West Woolavington’ development to the south, comprising 1,400 homes, commercial spaces, a primary school, and football pitches.
Access to the new homes will be from Woolavington Road with a junction staggered west of Lynham Close, along with a separate pedestrian entry on Higher Road. Of the 85 homes, 26 will be affordable units, aligning with the council’s 30% affordable housing target for developments of ten or more homes within the former Sedgemoor area.
Gladman, based in Congleton, previously sought permission for 95 homes on this site but withdrew their appeal in July 2020. A spokesperson highlighted that the current outline planning application is in preparation, and community input will shape the final proposals. Feedback from the public consultation will be summarized in a statement of community involvement, which will accompany the planning application for council review.
Beyond the western edge, housing growth proposals continue to emerge across Woolavington. South West Strategic Developments recently proposed 170 homes along Combe Lane, including a new spine road linking Woolavington Hill to Vicarage Road. Bloor Homes South West also published plans for 150 homes north of Cossington Lane, less than a mile from the enhanced Lock’s Way active travel route, where Gladman previously sought permission for 125 homes.
To the south, Wain Homes is expected to resubmit plans for 175 houses on the western side of Woolavington Hill following the lapse of previous permission.
Meanwhile, Woolavington’s GP surgery did not receive funding from the Department for Health and Social Care to expand along with 16 other Somerset surgeries, although funding has been allocated to the nearby Edington facility.
Residents interested in providing feedback on Gladman’s proposals can visit www.your-views.co.uk/woolavingtonrd or write to YourViews Woolavington at Gladman House, Alexandria Way, Congleton, CW12 1LB.