Residents of Castle Cary and Ansford have just one week to share their initial opinions on a proposed development of 100 new homes planned for the area.
Castle Cary has experienced significant residential growth over the past decade, particularly along Station Road (B3152), the main route between the town centre and railway station. One of the biggest developments to date, Mulberry Meadows by Stonewater, added 125 homes in this area—though the promised contributions of over £570,000 toward local facilities have yet to be realized.
Now, Hannick Homes & Developments Ltd is seeking permission to add another 100 homes directly south of Mulberry Meadows. Public consultation on the plans is open until June 15.
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The proposed new estate will be accessed through the existing Stonewater neighbourhood, connecting via Bilberry Avenue and Pear Close. The site comprises the remaining green fields bordered by current residential areas, the Torbay Road industrial estate, and the planned primary school site associated with the 162-home Tor View development by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley.
Adhering to Somerset Council’s target, 35 of these homes will be designated affordable housing. Existing public rights of way through the site will be preserved and improved, including a pedestrian pathway linking to the planned school. The development will also seek to retain veteran trees wherever possible.
A spokesperson from Corylus Planning and Environmental, representing Hannick Homes, explained that housing density will be highest at the centre of the development, with lower-density homes along the edges to blend with neighboring properties on Juniper Road, Pear Close, and Bilberry Avenue. A new play area is planned for the southeast corner of the site, accessible to both existing and future residents via Compton Drive.
The project aims to deliver a high-quality, community-integrated neighbourhood offering a mix of affordable and market homes, along with public green spaces.
Hannick Homes has prior experience with similar projects, including securing outline consent for 530 homes at Folletts Farm in Bridgwater and 53 homes on Houlgate Way in Axbridge.
Residents interested in providing feedback on the Castle Cary plans should do so by June 15. Following this consultation, Hannick Homes intends to submit a formal planning application by the end of summer.
After submission, further consultation will take place involving local residents, statutory bodies, Castle Cary Town Council, and Ansford Parish Council. A decision is expected early next year and, due to the development’s size, it may be reviewed publicly by the council’s planning committee south rather than solely by planning officers.