Plans for more than 150 new homes are moving forward near the site of Somerset’s ambitious £4 billion ‘gigafactory.’ Agratas is rapidly developing the cutting-edge manufacturing facility within the Gravity enterprise zone, located between Puriton and Woolavington, close to junction 23 of the M5.
Following public consultations held in May by South West Strategic Developments and Bloor Homes South West concerning potential housing on Woolavington’s eastern edge, South West Strategic Developments has now submitted detailed proposals for 170 homes on both sides of Combe Lane. Somerset Council is expected to decide on these plans in early 2026.
The proposed development comprises agricultural fields flanking Combe Lane, enveloping existing commercial properties on the road’s northern side. Vehicular access will be exclusively from Woolavington Hill, which will require demolishing an existing property to create a new spine road crossing Combe Lane.
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Traffic will be managed carefully, restricting eastbound movement on Combe Lane beyond the employment site, with westbound traffic rerouted through the new development to Woolavington Hill. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from two dedicated links connecting to Combe Lane and Vicarage Road.
The housing mix includes one-bedroom flats up to four-bedroom family homes, with 51 units designated as affordable, meeting the council’s 30% target for new major developments within the former Sedgemoor district.
Grass Roots Planning, representing the land promoter, emphasized their vision: “We aim to create a vibrant, integrated extension of Woolavington, offering up to 170 high-quality homes with varied types and tenures to meet local needs. This development will enhance the community and support the growing job market from the nearby Gravity Business Park, expected to generate up to 7,500 jobs within a mile.”
South West Strategic Developments recently gained approval to build seven homes at Loadpool Farm in Othery and have submitted revised plans for 38 homes plus a convenience store along the A372 New Road.
Woolavington is poised for significant housing expansion, driven by limited available land in neighboring Puriton and the proximity to the gigafactory. To the south, Bloor Homes South West is planning 150 homes near Cossington Lane, though no formal application has been submitted yet.
Meanwhile, Wain Homes, which had planning permission for 175 homes west of Woolavington Hill, must resubmit plans after permission lapsed in March. Additional projects include Gladman Developments’ 85-home proposal on Woolavington Road and Persimmon Homes Severn Valley’s ‘West Woolavington’ scheme for around 1,400 homes, a primary school, shops, and playing fields.
Somerset Council’s decision on South West Strategic Developments' current proposal is anticipated in early 2026, marking a key step in the evolving landscape surrounding Somerset’s gigafactory hub.