A renewed effort is underway to redevelop the former Greencore factory site on Prestleigh Road in Evercreech, Somerset, nearly two years after the previous application was rejected on appeal.
The factory closed in November 2018, resulting in the loss of approximately 400 local jobs. Since then, Sunderland-based West Estates Development Ltd. has made two unsuccessful attempts to obtain planning permission. The second proposal, which included 118 homes and an employment or community hub, was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in July 2024.
Now, the developer has submitted a new plan for 110 homes on the site, with a decision expected within the next nine months. The site is conveniently located near Evercreech’s primary school, medical centre, and cricket club, and access is planned via Prestleigh Road.
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The design includes flood mitigation measures such as new attenuation ponds and tree-lined streets throughout the estate. A notable feature is the preservation of historic Kemps Mill, built in 1860, which will be repurposed as flexible commercial space. Additionally, a new pedestrian path will provide direct access to the nearby recreation ground, aiming to ease traffic on Neal’s Way and Queen’s Road.
The homes will range from two-bedroom to four-bedroom units, with 33 designated as affordable housing. This satisfies the local council’s policy of requiring 30% affordable homes for developments exceeding ten units in the former Mendip area.
POD Design, representing the developer, describes the plans as a thoughtful response to the site’s characteristics. They highlight the inclusion of ample green open space, a central play area, and well-integrated pedestrian and cycle routes connecting the development to surrounding areas. The firm believes the project will be a beneficial addition to Evercreech.
Given Evercreech’s location within the River Brue catchment, the development must mitigate the impact of increased phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors. To comply, the developer proposes purchasing phosphate credits, which can be generated through methods such as fallowing agricultural land or upgrading septic systems.
Local reaction has been mixed. Resident Bethan Stanley criticizes the plan for failing to address previous concerns and questions its suitability, despite her desire to see the neglected site improved. Conversely, Helen Arcoleo welcomes the scheme, emphasizing the site’s current hazards and supporting the redevelopment on a brownfield location rather than greenfield land.
The council is expected to review the application and make a public decision by early 2027, reflecting the project’s significance. Separately, the Planning Inspectorate will decide within the coming year on a related proposal for an additional 40 homes near a pig farm north of the factory site.