A planned expansion of the Somerton Mead housing development, proposing 56 new homes adjacent to King Ina Church of England Academy in Somerset, has been delayed by the local planning committee. The development by Bloor Homes South West, located north of Bancombe Road, represents an extension to the existing estate, which already comprises 130 homes across three phases.
In September 2024, plans were submitted to build these additional homes north of Bradley Hill Lane, very close to the primary school. The homes would be accessed via an extension of Maple Drive, including traffic-calming measures such as a raised traffic island and give way markings, ensuring continued two-way traffic along Bradley Hill Lane.
Although the number of homes proposed was initially 65, negotiations with Somerset Council’s planning officers reduced this figure to 56, including a mix of one-bedroom flats up to four-bedroom houses. Importantly, 20 of these units will be affordable housing, fulfilling the council’s 35% target. This includes 16 social rent properties and four shared ownership homes.
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Additional amenities include a new children’s play area near the development entrance and an attenuation pond to manage flood risks. Financial contributions from Bloor Homes include nearly £616,000 directed towards local schools (with over £469,000 allocated for King Ina Academy), approximately £167,000 for youth facilities and sports fields, and over £35,000 for the expansion of the Buttercross Health Centre.
However, council members expressed significant concerns. Councillor Tim Kerley highlighted ongoing flooding issues linked to inadequate drainage infrastructure, emphasizing that the current pipe system cannot handle additional water flow, leading to regular flooding on surrounding properties. Kerley further criticized the lack of promised pedestrian links and noted increased traffic access problems stemming from other road closures in the area.
Environmental considerations were also raised, as the development sits within the River Cary catchment area. To mitigate phosphate pollution in the Somerset Levels and Moors, Bloor Homes plans to purchase phosphate credits while awaiting wastewater treatment upgrades scheduled for 2030.
Councillor Peter Seib questioned the safety of children walking to school from the new estate, pointing out potential hazards due to the proximity of play areas to traffic and an attenuation pond, raising concerns about unsupervised children’s safety.
After thorough discussion, the planning committee voted 8 to 1 to defer the decision until further information on child safety and access can be provided. The committee will revisit the proposal at its next meeting in Yeovil on May 19.