Hundreds of residents in Bridgwater have come together to oppose plans to build new homes on a cherished green space at the town’s southern edge. The area has already seen considerable housing growth over the past decade with the development of the Stockmoor and Wilstock ‘villages,’ and similar proposals now target the nearby Bridgwater Gateway site.
In July, Bloor Homes South West submitted an initial screening request to build 225 houses between Rhode Lane and Hamp Brook. The announcement has sparked a wave of concern among local people who urge the council to safeguard the green space and instead prioritize development on brownfield sites within the town.
Known locally as the Meads, this informal recreational area features the Hamp Brook and Durleigh Brook flowing through it and supports crucial flood prevention and biodiversity. Efforts by Somerset Council and its predecessors have improved walking routes to expand public access to this natural haven.
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Positioned just west of the Risemoor Road estate and at the fringe of Wilstock, the site is within walking distance of the new Wilstock Primary School planned to open in 2027. Access roads would include a new T-junction from Rhode Lane, and pedestrian pathways would be upgraded to maintain connectivity with nearby neighborhoods.
Local resident Alex Shaw-Young, who initiated an online petition that has garnered over 1,000 signatures, conveyed widespread frustration: “Bloor Homes has not engaged with us. Our traffic infrastructure is already struggling on Wills Road and Rhode Lane—it’s simply not equipped to handle the extra burden of 225 homes.”
Karen Sharkey, another nearby resident, echoed these concerns: “Rhode Lane is a country lane with speed bumps and a busy school nearby. Parking and traffic issues already make mornings challenging. Losing more green fields in this way threatens our community’s character—we’ve lived here for decades and don’t want to leave, but if this goes ahead, I’m not sure we’ll have a choice.”
The petition highlights the site’s role as a valued communal space and wildlife habitat, serving as a green buffer between the town and the Quantock Hills. Longtime resident Val Chilcott noted the impact on local wildlife: “I’ve seen deer running through these fields. This development will push them out, and Bloor haven’t answered our questions.”
While Bloor Homes declined comment on the petition, a spokesperson clarified the company only became involved with the site in late 2024, following major developments in Wilstock and Stockmoor. They emphasized that any future plans will address safe access and egress, and that all feedback from the consultation process will be carefully reviewed before formal applications are submitted.
The formal planning application is expected before Christmas, with Somerset Council’s planning committee anticipated to make a decision by late spring 2026.