Persimmon Homes Severn Valley has successfully received planning permission for 323 new homes in Bridgwater, Somerset. The approval was granted by Somerset Council’s North Area Planning Committee for a hybrid application that detailed plans for the first 111 homes on the site’s initial phase, located south of Quantock Road in the town’s western area.
Following this, Persimmon will submit a detailed planning application for the second phase, which includes 212 additional properties, after outline permission was previously granted for this section.
The development will feature a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, all designed to be zero carbon-ready. Additionally, 10% of the homes will be allocated to a local housing association to help address the council’s housing waiting list.
Financial commitments tied to the project include £2 million dedicated to education services and another £2 million for off-site affordable housing. Infrastructure improvements are supported with £479,000 allocated for off-site highway enhancements, £18,000 for a travel plan, and £22,250 to create a neighbourhood centre within the development.
A Community Infrastructure Levy payment of £514,171 will be made as part of phase one, with a further £1,016,691 expected if phase two receives full approval. Each phase will also include a play area for residents.
Environmental sustainability is a key feature of the project, incorporating sustainable drainage systems with two attenuation ponds, protection of existing trees and hedgerows, and a proposed dark corridor in phase one to support local wildlife. The site will include walking routes connecting both phases to promote community cohesion and encourage active travel.
Claire Burton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said, “We are thrilled to have secured planning approval for this important development in Bridgwater. Our work aims to boost the local housing supply while investing significantly in community services and infrastructure. We have collaborated closely with the local authority to ensure our contributions benefit the community and look forward to beginning construction on phase one and advancing phase two applications, leaving a positive and lasting impact on west Bridgwater.”