Up to 120 new homes are being proposed for construction on the northern edge of Wedmore, a picturesque village in Somerset. The plans, submitted to Somerset Council by Cavanna Homes South West, involve developing two agricultural fields west of Lascot Hill.
Cavanna Homes, already active in the region with 109 homes underway at the Centenary Heights development in Bridgwater, has submitted an initial screening request for this site. If approved, more detailed plans are expected to follow in the summer.
The proposed site borders existing residential areas at Dane’s Lea and St Medard’s Row. Access to the development would be via the northeast corner, currently a farm gate. Importantly, two public rights of way crossing the site will be improved as part of the project.
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Of the 120 homes planned, 36 will be designated affordable housing, meeting the 30 percent affordability target in the area formerly known as Sedgemoor. Jonathan Chick, associate at Nexus Planning representing the developer, highlighted Wedmore’s strong community assets, including local schools, a pharmacy, a sports ground, and a vibrant village center.
The site lies partially within the River Brue catchment area, which will necessitate environmental mitigation measures such as purchasing phosphate credits to prevent increased phosphate levels compromising the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Wedmore has experienced significant housing growth over the past decade. Recent developments include 89 homes by Strongvox Homes on the Wedmore Grange estate and 34 additional homes approved on Wells Road after extensive planning negotiations.
Somerset Council is expected to decide on the initial screening request by early spring. Given the development’s size and impact, any subsequent detailed applications will likely be reviewed publicly by the council’s planning committee north, which oversees major projects in the region.