Plans for a major new housing development near the M5 in Bridgwater have sparked outrage among residents. Edward Ware (Bridgwater) Ltd. submitted plans for a 750-house development, a primary school, and a community facility, which have faced significant backlash from the community.
The proposed site is part of the East Bridgwater housing allocation within the Sedgemoor Local Plan, and the developers have revised their plans based on a viability assessment, which suggests that providing over 200 affordable homes within the site may not be economically feasible.
Residents fear that the development will lead to increased traffic, strain on local services, and a heightened risk of local flooding. The proposed development, situated between the Polden Bower special needs school and the Strawberry Grange housing project, is planned to be delivered in three phases from north to south.
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A viability assessment conducted by Alder King indicates that the developer may not be able to provide the mandated 30 per cent affordable housing, potentially offering fewer affordable homes or none at all to ensure profitability.
The proposed spine road linking the homes to the A39 Bath Road is set for completion between September 2026 and March 2029, with concerns raised about its impact on traffic flow. Additionally, a new primary school and community facility are planned for the area, along with noise reduction measures to mitigate the impact of the motorway.
The community has expressed strong opposition to the proposed development, citing concerns about traffic management, the lack of infrastructure ahead of housing construction, and the viability of the project. The parish council has not yet taken a stance on the issue, with further discussions and a final decision expected in the coming months.