A major new housing development in Ilminster could see nearly 100 new homes built in its initial phase, marking the first step toward delivering up to 360 homes in total. Persimmon Homes South West has obtained outline planning permission from Somerset Council to develop the land south of Canal Way, near The Meadows doctors' surgery.
Although planning approval was granted in January 2024, the final legal agreements with Somerset Council—including contributions aimed at improving the Stop Line Way active travel route—were only completed in December 2025.
The developer has now submitted detailed plans for the first phase of the project, which includes 97 homes. Somerset Council is expected to review and decide on these proposals later this year.
This phase focuses on the eastern portion of the development site, involving substantial changes to the Canal Way roundabout access adjacent to the medical centre and nearby buildings. The southern arm of the roundabout will be extended further south to create new junctions leading into the medical centre’s car park and an adjacent plot initially reserved for a primary school. The council now plans to sell that plot for further development.
A new spine road will curve westward through the site, with residential cul-de-sacs branching off, bordered by footpaths. Importantly, the spine road includes a dedicated cycle lane, which will connect to National Cycle Network route 33, also known as the Stop Line Way, running along Canal Way’s southern side.
Two new pedestrian crossings are planned integral to the development: one near the medical facilities and another on Canal Way to enhance access to Lower Meadows. Additional community features include a play area, a multi-use games area (MUGA) near the Archie Gooch pavilion, and extensive green space with footpaths leading to the Herne Hill nature reserve.
Of the 97 homes proposed in this first phase, 33 will be affordable housing units, meeting the council’s requirement that 35% of all new developments with more than ten homes in the former South Somerset area be affordable.
Carney Sweeney, representing the developer, stated: “Residential vehicle parking will be provided through a mix of on-plot, on-street, and courtyard parking, all overlooked by surrounding homes. On-plot parking is generally set back to minimize its impact on the streetscape, with larger properties including garages. The development’s scale and design reflect the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.”
A decision on the first phase is anticipated before summer and will likely be made publicly by the council’s planning committee south due to the project’s significance, rather than through delegated authority.