Plans for 15 additional affordable homes within the Bridgwater Gateway development have been approved, advancing one of the largest housing projects in the area. Originally granted permission in February 2024 for 361 homes by BoKlok Housing Ltd., the development north of the A38 Taunton Road in North Petherton parish has since been taken over by Keepmoat Homes. Collaborating with housing association LiveWest, Keepmoat submitted revised proposals maintaining the original housing numbers, which received unanimous backing from Somerset Council’s planning committee north in May.
The newly approved homes comprise 15 flats situated off Carnival Way, nestled between an attenuation pond and designated public open space. Among these, four two-bedroom flats will be available through shared ownership, while the remaining 11 flats—offering one and two bedrooms—will be allocated for social rent. Priority access will be given to local residents via the Homefinder Somerset system.
This scheme forms part of Keepmoat’s broader responsibility for developing central and eastern sections of the Bridgwater Gateway site, complementing Vistry Partnerships’ delivery of 150 homes to the west. Collectively, the entire project will yield 51 affordable homes.
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Additionally, the development will contribute over £212,000 to local GP surgeries, potentially benefiting Somerset Bridge Medical Centre or North Petherton Surgery. The latter facility may be updated following a separate housing development nearby.
However, the proposals faced opposition from community members concerned about increased traffic. Paul Herbert of North Petherton Town Council highlighted the outdated transport assessment and emphasized the cumulative strain on the already congested A38. Councillor Alan Bradford acknowledged the housing growth but voiced uncertainty over managing rising vehicle numbers and expressed concerns over a proposed three-storey building’s appearance. Councillor Hilary Bruce called for a more balanced distribution of affordable housing to avoid clustering.
After about 30 minutes of debate, the planning committee approved the plans by a nine-to-one vote, moving closer to construction beginning before Christmas.