Residents in Somerset are invited to share their initial feedback on two significant housing projects proposed near the county’s upcoming £4 billion ‘gigafactory.’ Agratas unveiled updated plans in April for its innovative battery manufacturing facility within the Gravity enterprise zone, located between Puriton and Woolavington. This factory is set to supply electric vehicle batteries for Jaguar Land Rover and could eventually produce up to 40% of the UK’s domestic electric vehicle battery demand.
As construction on the gigafactory gears up later this year, South West Strategic Developments and Bloor Homes South West have revealed separate proposals for major housing developments on Woolavington’s eastern edge, totaling 320 new homes. Residents have limited time to provide input on these initial plans before official applications are submitted to Somerset Council in early autumn.
The two proposed sites are situated east of B3141 Woolavington Hill, between Vicarage Road to the north and Cossington Lane to the south. South West Strategic Developments aims to build 170 homes south of Vicarage Road with access from both Vicarage Road and Woolavington Road, the latter requiring demolition of an existing property. The development will envelop the current industrial estate and introduce a new spine road crossing Combe Lane, which will be closed to eastbound traffic.
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Housing options will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, including 51 affordable units, meeting the local council’s 30% affordable housing target for major Sedgemoor developments. A representative from Grass Roots Planning, acting for the developer, explained, “Affordable housing will include social rented homes—which are approximately 50% of market rent—and low-cost purchase options. The scheme will also feature publicly accessible open spaces, including new play areas, benefiting both new and existing residents.”
South West Strategic Developments recently secured permission for seven homes in Othery and submitted revised plans for 38 homes plus a convenience store near the A372 New Road. Meanwhile, Bloor Homes plans 150 homes across two agricultural fields behind existing properties on Woolavington Hill’s Cossington Lane. This site was previously proposed by Gladman Developments for 125 homes but was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in June 2021.
Access to Bloor’s development will be from Cossington Lane, with possible new pedestrian and cycling links connecting to the Lock’s Way active travel route to Bawdrip, part of the National Cycle Network’s Route 3. Additional walking and cycling paths will link the development to Woolavington Hill, providing easy access to local amenities like the Co-operative Food store and pharmacy.
Significant public open spaces and new play areas will border the site’s eastern edge, creating a natural buffer with surrounding countryside and helping to separate Woolavington from the nearby village of Cossington.
A spokesperson highlighted the importance of this location, saying, “Less than two miles from the Agratas battery facility, this site represents a major opportunity for Woolavington to support sustainable growth, especially given the employment boost from the gigafactory’s construction and operation phases. This development addresses identified housing needs in a sustainable and well-positioned location.”
In addition to these developments, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley has hinted at plans for a ‘West Woolavington’ neighborhood with approximately 1,400 homes, a primary school, retail outlets, and playing fields. Wain Homes previously had planning approval for 175 homes on the western side of Woolavington Hill, but this permission has expired, requiring resubmission.
Residents wishing to share their opinions on the Cossington Lane proposals may visit www.landatcossingtonlane.co.uk before May 21. To comment on the Woolavington Hill plans, visit www.woolavingtonhill-consultation.com by May 30.
Formal planning applications for both sites are expected to be submitted to Somerset Council by early autumn, marking an important step in Woolavington’s evolving community landscape.