Construction on a brand-new medical centre near the M5 in Somerset could commence as early as summer 2026, following the approval of a proposed housing development in North Petherton.
The town has seen substantial housing growth recently, with over 500 new homes planned at the nearby Bridgwater Gateway site and another 360 homes proposed near the rugby club. West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. unveiled plans in late 2023 for a new housing estate on the northern end of A38 Taunton Road. This development will include a modern GP surgery designed to replace the current facilities located on Church Walk.
After thorough discussions with Symphony Healthcare Services, which operates the existing surgery, and the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), the developer received a formal commitment in February to deliver the new medical centre conditional on planning approval for the entire project.
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Situated between Park Lane and Parkers Field on the eastern side of the A38, opposite the newly built Carrots Farm development, the proposed estate will feature 64 homes ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. Notably, 30% of these—19 properties—will be affordable housing.
The new medical centre, expanded in scope following NHS consultations, will be conveniently located near the development’s access point off Taunton Road and include its own dedicated car park. Additionally, a separate 30-space car park will serve a new scout hut and junior cricket pitch, both part of the community amenities planned.
Originally, the project included a 66-bed care home; however, after further review with planning officials and market assessment, this has been removed to make way for additional housing units.
To enhance connectivity and promote active lifestyles, the site will include pedestrian and cycling paths linking the development to Park Lane, Taunton Road, and the town’s football club. Over 100 new trees will be planted throughout the area to support local biodiversity and community well-being.
A spokesperson for West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. stated: “This application comes after more than two years of consultation with local groups, the community, the planning authority, and stakeholders including the NHS. Our goal is to create a development that addresses the housing crisis while delivering significant benefits to North Petherton.
“This isn’t just a generic housing development—it’s designed specifically for the community it serves. Features include land for a medical centre, a junior cricket pitch, scout hut, play areas, footpath enhancements, a new A38 crossing, and extensive tree planting.
“Only about half the site will be used for housing at a density of 20 dwellings per hectare, including 19 affordable homes.”
The developer has previously completed projects in the area such as the Batts Meadow site on Newton Road, North Petherton, and the Coronation Way estate in Creech St Michael, near Taunton.
The existing surgery is one of 14 in Somerset identified in September 2020 as needing expansion or relocation due to local housing growth. To increase capacity, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust added two Portakabins on-site—one in 2021 during the pandemic, and another in early 2024. The council approved keeping these temporary facilities in place until July 2029 to ensure sufficient service provision until the new centre opens.
Somerset Council’s planning committee north is expected to decide on the Taunton Road proposals by March 2026, paving the way for construction to begin shortly afterwards.