A significant new housing development is set to bring more affordable homes to Templecombe, a picturesque village in Somerset. Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd. obtained outline planning permission in November 2023 to build up to 140 homes along with a community facility on Bowden Road, situated at the southern edge of Templecombe near the Dorset border.
Following the signing of outline legal agreements in March 2025, Vistry Partnerships acquired the site and submitted updated proposals in late January 2026 for the same number of homes. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on these revised plans before Christmas.
If approved, half of the homes will be affordable, supported by a partnership with the Abri housing association. Access to the development will feature a new junction on Bowden Road close to West Street, with a spine road connecting the houses to a potential community facility near the entrance.
READ MORE: Detailed Plan Unveils Sites for 5,900 New Homes Across Bath
READ MORE: Pensioner Heartbroken After Dog Stolen from Car at Weston-super-Mare Retail Park
Currently, Wessex Water is installing a new water main at the junction, with associated roadworks scheduled to continue until 18 September, according to the council’s roadworks portal. A new pedestrian and cycling path will link the site to the busy A357 Combe Hill, providing access towards Henstridge and Wincanton, with emergency vehicle access also planned.
The community facility will be developed separately from the housing and could serve as a village hall or a new medical centre, potentially replacing the existing Templecombe Surgery, which was identified as needing expansion or relocation in 2020.
Furthermore, the development will include two children’s play areas, a community orchard, and extensive green landscaping to create a buffer between existing homes on Bowden Road and the surrounding countryside.
Vistry Partnerships, in alliance with Abri, is delivering a total of 314 affordable homes across three South West sites: 130 at the Fosseway site in Hengrove, Bristol; 114 at Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare (with Homes England investment); and 70 at the Templecombe site. Notably, the 50% affordable housing provision at Templecombe exceeds the 35% requirement typical for developments of ten or more homes in the former South Somerset area.
Susan Scholfield, regional managing director of Vistry Bristol, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “These agreements mark another important milestone in our partnership with Abri and will deliver 314 affordable homes across three key South West sites. Each development reflects our shared commitment to providing high-quality homes where they are needed most.”
Housing at Templecombe will be offered through a mix of social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership to meet the village’s local needs. Sally Ingham, director of development at Abri, emphasised the impact: “These homes will make a real difference for people across the South West, offering more opportunities to find affordable housing in thriving communities.”
Templecombe has attracted development interest partly due to its railway station, which benefits from hourly South Western Railway services linking London Waterloo and Exeter St. David’s, making it appealing to commuters. The village boasts an ancient parish church, primary school, doctor’s surgery, community café, Co-op store, and convenient access to nearby towns such as Wincanton and Sherborne.
Somerset Council’s decision on the revised Bowden Road proposals is anticipated before the year’s end. Following recent planning law changes, the decision may be made through delegated powers by planning officers, unless local councillors request it be reviewed by the planning committee.