The future of a large housing development in Yeovil is now in the hands of a judge in Bristol, as a judicial review challenges the recent planning permissions for the project.
Abbey Manor Group received outline planning permission from Somerset Council in October 2024 to develop the Up Mudford urban extension, located north of Primrose Lane. The ambitious scheme includes 765 homes, commercial spaces, a community hub, and an extension to Primrose Lane Primary School.
The council formalized the legal agreements for the development in mid-July, incorporating improvements such as enhanced walking and cycling routes along the A359 Mudford Hill and Lyde Road.
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However, Mudford Parish Council secured permission in December 2025 from the High Court to pursue a judicial review against the council’s decision. This development, along with a nearby proposal for 252 homes at Sock Hill, now faces uncertainty.
The Friends of Mudford Action Group (FOMAG) has announced the judicial review hearing will take place at Bristol Crown Court on April 28. To cover the £15,000 legal expenses, FOMAG has launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Mudford village, which currently has 339 homes, faces a substantial transformation. These two developments could nearly quadruple the parish’s population within ten years.
The parish council’s submission to the High Court highlights several concerns:
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Flood Risk: Existing severe flooding in Mudford raises doubts about whether the proposed attenuation ponds will adequately manage surface runoff from the new homes.
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Traffic Impact: The council predicts a significant increase in vehicle traffic on already congested local roads, compounded by limited public transportation options.
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Affordable Housing Shortage: With only 15% of the new homes designated as affordable (around 115 properties), the development falls short of meeting local housing needs.
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Insufficient Infrastructure: There are concerns over the capacity of local services, drainage systems, and the road network to handle the additional demand.
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Historic Anthrax Contamination: Parts of the Primrose Lane site were historically used for disposing of anthrax-infected animals during the mid-20th century, with fears that current testing may be inadequate to guarantee public safety.
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Loss of Rural Character: The parish council warns that the developments could erase Mudford’s rural identity by turning open countryside into continuous housing.
James Cary, chairman of FOMAG, confirmed the court date via the group’s Facebook page on March 6, emphasizing the financial challenges ahead. FOMAG has already pledged £5,000 towards legal costs for Mudford Parish Council and aims to raise additional funds to continue campaigning.
As of March 11, the crowdfunding campaign has raised £790, with a target of £15,000 by July 1. Cary encourages local residents to contribute and help amplify community voices in this critical planning battle.
Meanwhile, revised plans for the first phase of the Sock Hill development (109 homes) were submitted by Bloor Homes South West in December 2025. Somerset Council is expected to decide on this application by summer, coinciding with the anticipated judicial review outcome.