Progress on Chard’s long-anticipated eastern relief road (ERR) took a significant step forward following the approval of plans for 67 new homes. The proposed development, submitted by Mr. R. and Mrs. C. Blackburn in December 2023, is located east of Gillingham Grange care home and will include direct access onto the A358 Hornsbury Hill.
Revised plans submitted in August 2025 incorporated a crucial strip of land between the care home and the new housing, reserved for a future section of the relief road. After an initial delay due to legal issues, Somerset Council’s planning committee south unanimously approved the plans on April 21, securing an investment of nearly £420,000 towards the ERR’s construction.
Out of the 67 homes planned, 23 will be designated as affordable housing, slightly below the council’s 35% target for such developments in the former South Somerset area. The project also promises a new cycle link to Chaffcombe Road, connecting residents to Touches Lane and the Stop Line Way pedestrian paths leading into Chard town centre.
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Significant funding accompanies the development, with over £1.1 million earmarked for local education infrastructure. This includes contributions for early years provision, primary schooling—likely benefiting Avishayes Community Primary School—secondary education improvements at Holyrood Academy, and special needs services. Additional funds will support local GP surgeries and path resurfacing around Chard Reservoir nature reserve.
Environmental considerations are a priority, as the site lies within the River Parrett catchment area, requiring measures to prevent phosphate pollution affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. To address this, existing nearby septic tanks will be upgraded to package treatment plants utilizing chemical dosing to reduce phosphate output at the source.
Despite the approvals, some local voices expressed concerns. Craig Hussey, Chair of Chard Town Council’s planning and highways committee, spoke against the development citing the loss of greenfield land, the impact on local wildlife habitats including owls, bats, and dormice, and the area’s susceptibility to flooding. Hussey also highlighted worries over local service availability and economic downturn impacts in Chard.
The Eastern Relief Road has long been a strategic goal for Somerset planning authorities, designed to alleviate congestion at the town centre’s convent link junction, where the A30 and A358 intersect, and to unlock new housing developments in the area. Currently, only a short section between the A30 and Chard Reservoir exists, completed in 2022 as part of the Oaklands development.
Future ERR sections are expected, including a major development near the A30 Crewkerne Road by Gladman Developments, which received outline approval for 230 homes in January. The land preserved in the Hornsbury Hill development will enable the eventual construction of the ERR, featuring pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides.
Funding for this new section of the ERR, secured under Section 106 agreements, must be used within ten years of construction commencement. Adam Garland, Somerset Council’s principal planning liaison officer, indicated the council’s major projects team will oversee design and construction, although no timeline has been confirmed. Further discussions are scheduled as the project advances.
Councillor Jenny Kenton from Chard North expressed cautious support with concerns over the council’s capacity to deliver the road on schedule, noting the development approval triggers the funding timeline. Councillor Martin Wale affirmed the site’s inclusion within the South Somerset Local Plan and found no objection to the application. Meanwhile, Councillor Steve Ashton welcomed the progress, emphasizing that financial backing now makes the ERR realistically achievable.
With unanimous committee approval secured, the next step is a reserved matters application detailing the precise design and layout of the new homes, anticipated by Christmas.