The government has announced plans to build up to 40,000 new homes over the next decade on surplus brownfield sites close to railway stations, depots, and other rail infrastructure. This initiative, led by a new development company called Platform4, aims to unlock housing opportunities by utilizing underused land around Britain’s railways.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP revealed on July 30 that Platform4, backed by a £1 billion investment, will bring together Network Rail’s property team and London and Continental Railways Ltd. to streamline construction efforts and attract private investment. Revenues generated will be reinvested into improving Britain’s rail network, benefiting both passengers and taxpayers.
Alexander emphasized the wider impact of the scheme, saying, “Our railways are more than just connections between places – they create economic opportunity and drive regeneration. Platform4 will deliver tens of thousands of new homes, rejuvenate communities around rail stations, support jobs, and boost economic growth.”
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While sites in cities such as Cambridge, Manchester, Newcastle, and Nottingham have already been identified—expected to produce more than 2,700 homes—the Department for Transport (DfT) has not yet confirmed whether any locations near Somerset railway lines will be part of this development pipeline. The DfT stated it does not currently hold a comprehensive list of potential brownfield sites for redevelopment under Platform4.
Somerset’s rail network includes several mainline routes serving towns like Highbridge, Bridgwater, Taunton, Castle Cary, and Yeovil, with recent and planned housing developments already benefiting from proximity to stations. Projects such as Firepool Lock in Taunton and estates in Highbridge demonstrate the potential for growth, alongside upcoming developments like the 200-home Station Green near Castle Cary station and a new 60-home estate on Cherry Blossom Way in Sparkford.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner MP highlighted the urgency of addressing the housing shortage: “We are facing a housing crisis which has led to a generation being locked out of home ownership, all while land sits empty and disused across the country. We said we’d do everything possible to get Britain building.”
As Platform4 continues to shape its development plans, officials remain cautious about committing to specific sites near Somerset. A DfT spokesperson added, “There will be a pipeline of schemes, but we don’t have an exhaustive list at this stage as Platform4 has only just been set up. We’ll be able to say more down the track.”