Plans to construct new homes near Wellington’s forthcoming railway station are moving forward, but with a notable change: Bloor Homes South West will now oversee the development, replacing the original developer.
Originally, West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd., based in West Buckland, received outline planning permission in May 2024 to build up to 200 homes on Nynehead Road. This site includes the planned access road to Wellington’s new £15 million railway station, which gained government approval in June following the spending review.
However, progress has been delayed due to necessary “remedial works” on the existing portion of the spine road, initially constructed during the Lidl supermarket development nearby. In response, Bloor Homes has launched a public consultation presenting revised plans. Their proposal reduces the housing to a maximum of 161 units, also indicating their intention to purchase the land.
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The spine road and ‘station square’ designs, which will welcome arriving passengers—featuring the original top of the Wellington Monument—were previously approved by the council’s planning committee in March. Bloor Homes' plans allocate land closest to the station for new commercial premises, with design details to be determined in a separate reserved matters application.
According to a spokesperson from Carney Sweeney, representing Bloor Homes, the proposed housing mix will focus on family residences, mostly two-storey buildings, with some two-and-a-half-storey homes in prominent locations. Architectural styling will draw from Wellington’s traditional character, predominately utilizing red brick with buff-colored string courses. Rendered properties will serve as visual highlights at street junctions or vistas.
Parking arrangements will comply with council standards, including provisions for visitor parking. Commitment to sustainable travel is evident, with walking and cycling routes planned along the spine road and toward the B3187 Taunton Road along the site’s western boundary.
Green spaces remain a priority. Bloor intends to plant over 220 new trees along with approximately 600 meters of native hedgerow to enhance the environment.
In line with a signed Section 106 agreement, Bloor Homes will contribute to local services as part of the development’s social infrastructure obligations.
Bloor Homes is no stranger to large-scale projects in the region, currently delivering 237 homes at Evergreen Parade on King’s Drive, Bridgwater, and awaiting permission for another 150 homes on Cossington Road, Woolavington. Additionally, construction will soon begin on the Staplegrove urban extension in Taunton, taking advantage of recently approved road widening on the A358 Staplegrove Road for safer access.
Residents can review the proposed plans and submit feedback via the Carney Sweeney website, email, or post until September 19. Afterward, a reserved matters application will be filed with Somerset Council, with a decision anticipated by spring 2026.
Separately, Network Rail is expected to apply soon for planning permission related to the railway station, car park, and supporting facilities. The Department for Transport has yet to announce an opening date for the Wellington station or its nearby counterpart, Cullompton station in Devon.