Somerset Council has begun legal proceedings against Higdon Homes Ltd., a Taunton-based developer, for failing to pay nearly £35,000 owed in financial contributions reserved for local services.
Higdon Homes secured outline planning permission on appeal in November 2015 to build 16 homes at St. James Close in Broadway, near Ilminster, followed by detailed planning permission granted by South Somerset District Council in November 2016. Construction commenced early in 2017.
According to the original Section 106 legal agreement, the developer was required to provide funds supporting community facilities within the village—including the village hall and cricket club—as well as strategic amenities used by wider residents, such as the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil.
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Since Somerset Council assumed responsibilities from the former South Somerset District Council in April 2023, it has identified that Higdon Homes still owes £34,982. Of this, £14,904 corresponds to strategic contributions for sports facilities, including artificial grass pitches, swimming pools, and sports halls. The remaining amount is designated to enhance the Broadway village hall.
All contributions were due in full before the completion and occupation of the 16 homes, with no indications of renegotiations due to financial viability on the council’s planning portal.
Currently, Higdon Homes is developing the Neroche Meadows site, comprising 28 homes off Broadway Road, having recently secured planning permission.
A Somerset Council spokesperson stated, “The council confirms it is owed £34,982 by Higdon Homes Ltd. This includes contributions vital for both local and strategic community facilities. Our legal team is actively working to resolve this matter.”