Revised plans for nearly 50 new homes near the A303 in Somerset have been submitted by a West Country developer. The Case family initially submitted outline proposals in August 2019 to build 43 homes on West Camel Road, in the small village of Queen Camel, situated between Yeovil and Sparkford.
This development was among over 50 projects across the former South Somerset area delayed by a phosphate mitigation crisis. Developers were required to implement comprehensive measures to prevent any net increase in phosphates affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. After years of delays, Somerset Council finally granted outline planning permission in April—almost six years since the original submission. The site was then sold to Ashford Homes (SW) Ltd, a developer based in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.
Ashford Homes has now submitted revised plans for the site, which consists of an L-shaped parcel of land surrounding existing homes at the western end of West Camel Road, opposite the Case family’s farm on Rectory Close. The council is expected to make a decision on the revised application before Christmas.
READ MORE: Disabled Woman Outraged After Being Forced to Camp Miles from Festival Site
READ MORE: LTN Road Closures in Bath Reduce Dangerous Traffic in Local Neighbourhood
Access to the new development will be through a new junction on West Camel Road, with pedestrian access provided onto Roman Way near proposed allotments. The plans include 145 parking spaces and new pavements along West Camel Road to ensure continuous pedestrian routes to Queen Camel Medical Centre and Countess Gytha Primary School.
The housing mix will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with 15 of the properties designated as affordable, meeting the council’s 35% target for developments of ten or more homes in the former South Somerset area. To address phosphate concerns, the developer will purchase phosphate credits from Wiveliscombe-based WCI, which upgrades septic tanks within the River Parrett catchment area to modern package treatment plants.
A spokesperson for Planning Sphere, representing Ashford Homes, stated: “The proposal will deliver a diverse range of high-quality homes designed by local architects, sensitive to the local landscape and aligned with modern standards. The development will contribute much-needed housing supply while providing a strong sense of place and identity. Parking and pedestrian connections comply with council requirements.”
In addition to the affordable housing and allotments, the developer will contribute nearly £297,000 towards expanding places at Countess Gytha Primary School and just over £60,000 to enhance local play facilities.
The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed that no contributions are required for expanding the local medical centre, stating the existing facility has sufficient capacity to accommodate the potential population increase.
Somerset Council is anticipated to reach a decision on the revised plans before the end of the year.