Construction of a new road junction, set to unlock over 1,000 new homes on the outskirts of Bridgwater, is slated to commence by the end of the month. The A39 Quantock Road, located at the western entrance to Bridgwater, has been designated for new housing within the Sedgemoor Local Plan. The two development sites are expected to yield up to 1,200 new homes collectively, along with a new school and a “neighbourhood centre” which may encompass amenities such as a shop, village hall, or healthcare facilities.
Planning applications for both sites have received public approval from councillors, with legal discussions progressing between the developers and council planning officers. Following numerous delays, Bridgwater Town Council has now announced that the construction of a critical new, signal-controlled crossroads, connecting the two developments to the bustling A39, will commence by the end of January.
The northern site, known as Cokerhurst Farm, lies between the A39 and the existing homes on the B3339 Wembdon Hill. Plans for 675 homes, a primary school, and a neighbourhood centre, proposed by Cavanna Homes (South West Ltd.) and Martin Grant Homes, were greenlighted by Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee. Cavanna’s initial proposal outlines the construction of 238 homes, a pedestrian and cycling link to Wembdon Hill, public open space, and two access points onto the A39, one of which will form part of the new crossroads. The remaining 437 homes, along with amenities such as a bus gate, neighbourhood centre, and the new primary school, are scheduled for future phases.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s Car Park Chaos
READ MORE: Tragic Loss: Doting Father Killed in West Country Crash
The legal agreement requires the construction of the new crossroads before any of the new homes are occupied, in adherence to the Local Plan’s original intentions. The southern site, to be developed by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, is set to accommodate up to 352 homes, contributing to a total of 1,027 homes on either side of Quantock Road.
Construction representatives from Cavanna Homes conveyed the timeline for the crossroads' delivery, aiming to minimize disruption to motorists. The 50-week access construction and primary works are scheduled to commence in late January 2024, with provisions for maintaining dual lanes during the project and enforcing a 20mph speed limit on the A39. Somerset Council confirmed that the cost of delivering the new crossroads will be entirely covered by Cavanna Homes, without additional taxpayer funding committed towards the project.