Revised plans for a major housing development in Ilminster are set to be submitted this autumn, following Persimmon Homes South West’s approval to remove sections of nearby hedgerows to facilitate site access.
The Exeter-based developer received outline planning permission in January 2024 to build up to 360 homes on Canal Way, adjacent to the Meadows Surgery. In June, they submitted further plans detailing access arrangements, including the removal of 120 metres of hedgerow and modifications to the surgery’s car park layout.
With permission granted for these access changes, Persimmon Homes plans to present detailed proposals, known as reserved matters, in the coming weeks. The developer has committed to delivering a biodiversity net gain despite the necessary hedgerow removal.
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The site lies between Canal Way and Herne Hill, the latter designated a local nature reserve by South Somerset District Council in 2018. To create access, the southern arm of the Canal Way roundabout will be extended southwards, with hedges east of the surgery cleared to accommodate this.
The surgery’s car park, which serves Summervale Medical Centre and other local health services, will be reconfigured to allow a wide access road with an adjacent shared pedestrian and cycle path on the west side. This path will connect with existing cycle lanes on Canal Way and the Stop Line Way active travel route towards Donyatt, both of which will be enhanced as part of the development.
Two new pedestrian crossings are planned: one near the medical facilities and another on Canal Way to link pedestrian access to Lower Meadows.
Persimmon Homes has confirmed the project will achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain, complying with government regulations introduced in January 2024. A spokesperson stated: “We have secured permission to increase the amount of species-rich hedgerow through maximising retention, planting additional hedgerow next to Herne Hill, and implementing long-term habitat management.”
Additional ecological measures include installing dormouse boxes and planting 1.6 hectares of new woodland.
Construction timings for the access road remain unconfirmed, but work is expected to start after October 4 to avoid conflicting with Ilminster’s annual carnival.
The Canal Way development is among over 50 sites in the former South Somerset area delayed due to the phosphates crisis, which requires developers to mitigate phosphate impacts on the Somerset Levels and Moors. To offset increased phosphates, Persimmon plans to temporarily fallow about 300 acres of council agricultural land between Herne Hill and the Sea hamlet.
The spokesperson also noted: “Besides ecological improvements and addressing housing needs—including a high proportion of affordable housing—we are investing nearly £3.5 million in community infrastructure, such as enhancements to the Stop Line Way.”
Detailed planning applications will be submitted next month, with Persimmon aiming to collaborate with the council to deliver much-needed housing and leave a positive legacy for Ilminster.