Construction on nearly 300 new homes on Chard’s northern outskirts could commence in early 2027 pending approval of revised plans submitted by Taylor Wimpey. The original outline permission for 295 homes and a new stadium for Chard Town Football Club was granted in November 2024 to McTaggart & Mickel Homes England Ltd. and the S. E. Blackburn Discretionary Trust, covering land between Crimchard and Thorndun Park Drive.
Following the sale of the site to Taylor Wimpey, the developer has put forward a reserved matters application detailing the same number of homes along with a clear delivery timeline. Somerset Council is anticipated to rule on these updated proposals by this autumn, potentially allowing construction to begin as early as February 2027.
The new stadium, replacing Chard Town FC’s current sloping pitch on Zembard Lane, is scheduled to start construction in mid-2028, with the club likely relocating for the 2029-30 season.
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The development site is situated between Barratt Homes’ Blackdown Heights estate, consisting of 142 houses, and the nearby hamlet of Cuttiford’s Door, close to Chard Garden Centre. Primary vehicle access will be from Thorndun Park Drive near Bartletts Park Garage, supplemented by pedestrian pathways connecting to Cuttisford Door and Crimchard through upgraded public rights of way.
The housing is planned in two sections: the western parcel will feature allotments, an orchard, and a children’s play area, while the eastern parcel will include a play area for older children and two community football pitches—one designated for Chard Town FC training. The homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with 35% (approximately 103 units) designated as affordable housing under the outline permission.
Centrally located within the site will be the floodlit stadium, a clubhouse, and a dedicated car park. Adjacent to this will be a “neighbourhood centre” potentially housing a small shop or community hub.
Representing Taylor Wimpey, Woolf Bond Planning stated: “This reserved matters application results in an entirely acceptable form of development, consistent with the parameters established at the outline stage, providing for a well-designed scheme reflecting the character of the local area.”
Taylor Wimpey is also active in nearby developments, including the Wool Gardens estate in Crewkerne, where construction is underway on a new junction linking to the A356 Station Road, and the Orchard Grove development on Taunton’s western edge, with plans submitted recently for a new Hortsbridge Park.
The development will proceed in three phases. The initial phase will focus on residential construction, beginning in February 2027 and continuing through late 2033. This phase includes building all estate roads, walking and cycling routes, and community pitches, with works on the pitches scheduled to start by October 2026 if permitted.
Planning agreements require that the new play areas be completed before 25% of the homes are occupied, and pedestrian, cycle links, and community pitches must be in place before 50% occupancy.
The second phase, beginning by June 2028, involves building the new stadium and associated facilities. The third phase, starting in July 2028, will deliver the local centre and remaining public open spaces, targeting completion of the local centre before 100 homes are occupied.
Given the scale and importance of the project, Somerset Council’s planning committee south, responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area, will likely make a public decision on the plans rather than leaving the decision to planning officers.
Detailed designs for the stadium and local centre will be submitted as separate planning applications later this year.