Plans for additional low-cost homes within one of Bridgwater’s largest housing projects have been given the green light, marking a significant step forward in the development of the Bridgwater Gateway site near the M5.
BoKlok Housing Ltd. initially secured planning permission in February 2024 to build 361 homes north of the A38 Taunton Road in North Petherton parish. The land was later sold to Keepmoat Homes, who, in partnership with housing association LiveWest, submitted revised plans retaining the original housing numbers in July 2025.
In mid-May 2025, Somerset Council’s planning committee north, responsible for major applications in the former Sedgemoor area, unanimously approved the updated scheme. Councillors praised the more traditional architectural designs featured in the new homes.
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Most recently, detailed approval was granted for 15 affordable flats within the site, increasing the likelihood that construction could start before Christmas. These flats will be built off Carnival Way, between an attenuation pond and a designated public open space. Four are two-bedroom shared ownership units, while the remaining eleven are a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats available for social rent, prioritised for local residents through the Homefinder Somerset system.
Keepmoat Homes and LiveWest will oversee the development of the central and eastern parts of Bridgwater Gateway, while Vistry Partnerships will complete 150 homes at the western edge. Collectively, the Keepmoat element will provide 36 affordable homes, adding to the 15 flats recently approved and bringing the total affordable housing on site to 51.
Alongside housing, the development will contribute over £212,000 to local GP surgeries, potentially benefiting Somerset Bridge Medical Centre or North Petherton Surgery, which itself may be relocated due to a nearby separate housing project.
Despite the approvals, some local residents and officials voiced concerns. Paul Herbert of North Petherton Town Council highlighted the age of the transport assessment, completed in 2021, questioning its relevance given increased development in the area. He warned that while the 15 new homes alone might not heavily impact traffic, combined with nearby developments, they could exacerbate congestion and road safety issues on the already overburdened A38.
Councillor Alan Bradford acknowledged North Petherton’s status as a growth area but expressed uncertainty about managing the rise in vehicle traffic. He also commented on drainage improvements following government funding but criticized the three-storey building plans, preferring a uniform height for aesthetic reasons. Bradford also remarked on local resistance to development, describing a growing NIMBY mentality.
Councillor Hilary Bruce echoed concerns about the concentration of social housing, advocating for a more even distribution to avoid clustering.
After about 30 minutes of discussion, the planning committee approved the plans with a vote of nine to one, allowing the long-anticipated expansion to proceed amid local debate over infrastructure challenges.