Residents of Somerset are being invited to share their initial feedback on two significant housing developments planned near the county’s upcoming £4 billion gigafactory. Agratas unveiled updated plans in April for its new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility located within the Gravity Enterprise Zone between Puriton and Woolavington. This cutting-edge factory will supply Jaguar Land Rover and is expected to produce up to 40% of all UK-made electric vehicle batteries.
As construction prepares to accelerate later this year, South West Strategic Developments and Bloor Homes South West have submitted preliminary proposals for two substantial housing projects on the eastern edge of Woolavington. Together, these proposals account for 320 new homes. Local residents have a limited window to provide their input before formal planning applications are submitted to Somerset Council in early autumn.
The developments are situated east of the B3141 Woolavington Hill, bordered by Vicarage Road to the north and Cossington Lane to the south. South West Strategic Developments plans to build 170 homes south of Vicarage Road, with access points from both Vicarage Road and Woolavington Road, the latter requiring the demolition of an existing property.
These new homes will be thoughtfully designed around the local industrial estate, featuring a new main spine road that will cross Combe Lane — which will be closed to eastbound traffic. Home options will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, including 51 affordable units that meet the council’s 30% affordable housing target for major developments in the former Sedgemoor district.
A spokesperson for Grass Roots Planning, representing South West Strategic Developments, highlighted that affordable homes will include a mix of social rented properties priced at about 50% of market rates as well as low-cost purchase options. The plan also incorporates publicly accessible open spaces with new play areas and informal recreational spaces, accessible to both new and existing residents.
Nearby, on Cossington Lane, Bloor Homes South West intends to create 150 homes across two agricultural fields behind existing properties on Woolavington Hill. Previous plans by Gladman Developments for 125 homes in this area were rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in 2021.
Access to the Bloor Homes site will be from Cossington Lane, with pedestrian and cycling links planned to connect residents with the Lock’s Way active travel route to Bawdrip, part of National Cycle Network route 3. Additional walking and cycling paths will improve access to local amenities such as The Co-operative Food store and the pharmacy on Woolavington Hill.
Significant public open space will appear on the development’s eastern edge, including new children’s play areas serving as a green buffer separating Woolavington from the neighboring village of Cossington.
A Bloor Homes representative said, “Located less than two miles from the new Agratas battery facility, these proposals mark a major transformation for Woolavington. The development supports sustainable growth and reflects the increased employment opportunities the gigafactory will bring during construction and beyond. We believe Woolavington is well-positioned to accommodate this new residential development in a sustainable location.”
Bloor Homes is also currently building 237 homes on King’s Drive in Bridgwater, which is part of the North East Bridgwater allocation in the Sedgemoor Local Plan. Woolavington is poised for significant growth due to the gigafactory’s influence and limited available land in neighboring Puriton.
Additionally, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley revealed plans in December 2023 for a ‘West Woolavington’ neighborhood with roughly 1,400 homes, a primary school, retail outlets, and new sports pitches. Wain Homes had approval for 175 homes on the western side of Woolavington Hill but must resubmit plans after permission lapsed in March.
Residents wishing to comment on the Cossington Lane proposals should visit www.landatcossingtonlane.co.uk by May 21, while feedback on the Woolavington Hill plans can be submitted at www.woolavingtonhill-consultation.com by May 30.
Formal planning applications for both housing projects are expected to be lodged with Somerset Council in early autumn.