Plans for up to 750 new homes, along with a primary school and a community hub, are set to proceed near the M5 in Bridgwater despite significant local opposition and concerns over the adequacy of the proposals.
Edward Ware (Bridgwater) Ltd. submitted the development plans earlier this year, targeting land between Bower Lane and the motorway on the eastern edge of Bridgwater. The scheme is part of the broader housing growth strategy outlined in the Sedgemoor Local Plan, which anticipates around 1,200 new homes in the area by 2032.
Following an initial delay from Somerset Council’s planning committee north in July-due to concerns regarding the low percentage of affordable housing and insufficient funding for NHS services-the committee narrowly approved the plans on 8 September. The decision has sparked considerable debate over its impact on local infrastructure and services.
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The site lies adjacent to the Strawberry Grange development, currently under construction by Countryside Partnerships, which comprises 260 homes. Nearby, outline permission exists for 530 homes at Folletts Farm, where Barratt Homes is progressing with detailed plans for the first phase.
Key features of the approved scheme include a new primary school and community hub near the Bower Inn, extensive green spaces, and a spine road linking the A39 Bath Road to Westonzoyland Road. Bower Lane will be mostly closed to traffic, transforming it into a green corridor for pedestrians and cyclists with improved connections to the Whitfield Road play area.
A major point of contention remains the affordable housing provision. Normally, new developments of this scale in the former Sedgemoor area require 30 per cent affordable homes, which would amount to 225 properties in this instance. However, the developer argues that such a provision would render the project financially unviable due to the costs of the spine road and school land. Consequently, only six per cent (45 homes) will be designated as affordable, a slight increase from the original five per cent following interest from housing association Abri.
Regarding healthcare, the developer will contribute approximately £174,000 towards expanding local medical facilities, though NHS Somerset has yet to specify which surgery would benefit. The Bridgwater Bay primary care network has expressed concerns that all nine of its GP practices are currently operating beyond safe capacity.
Local residents voiced strong opposition during the planning meeting. Dr Liz Parfitt of Westonzoyland highlighted concerns about the spine road exacerbating traffic congestion, particularly at already busy junctions like A38 Broadway and A372 St John’s Street. She warned that without restrictions, heavy goods vehicles could further strain the road network.
Daisy-May Baker of the East Bridgwater Urban Wildlife Group spoke passionately about the loss of green spaces and nature for young people, emphasising the difficulty in accessing outdoor play areas amidst growing housing density.
Environmental group CPRE Somerset criticised the proposal as “woefully inadequate” and lacking ambition to meet local needs, noting that high property prices may attract buyers from outside the community, further stressing overstretched services.
Representatives from Bridgwater Without Parish Council and healthcare professionals also decried the minimal affordable housing and insufficient infrastructure investments, warning of dangerous precedents and calling for more responsible planning.
Councillors acknowledged some improvements to the plans but repeatedly expressed that these did not address the core issues sufficiently. Concerns were raised over traffic congestion, healthcare capacity, and the lengthy delay in the planning process.
Amid divided opinions, the planning committee ultimately voted five to two in favour of approving the development, with three abstentions. The legal agreements between the council and developer will now be finalised, allowing Edward Ware to submit detailed plans for the project’s phases.
Future reserved matters applications, detailing the design and layout of the homes, will typically be decided by planning officers under delegated powers. However, there remains a possibility for these to return to committee review if deemed necessary by local representatives.
The approval marks a significant step forward for Bridgwater’s housing development plans but leaves many residents and elected officials concerned that the scheme falls short of community expectations and requirements.