Plans are underway to better connect the coastal town of Watchet and the adjacent village of Williton in west Somerset through a new walking and cycling route. Both areas have seen notable housing growth recently, leaving only a few fields separating the two communities.
Lovell Homes has initiated construction on its Station Fields development on A39 Priest Street in Williton, which will include 350 new homes, commercial spaces, leisure facilities, and public open spaces. As part of planning agreements with Somerset Council, Lovell Homes committed to creating nearly 1.5 kilometres of walking and cycling links to improve access for residents to local schools and amenities.
Now, the Wyndham Estate has submitted proposals to build these links as an extension of the Steam Coast Trail, offering a car-free route between Williton and Watchet. The Steam Coast Trail already connects Minehead to Watchet with existing sections opened in 2016 and 2018, passing through Blue Anchor and Washford.
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The latest plans involve two new segments. Phase one will stretch from the B3191 Five Bells near Danesfield Church of England Middle School, following a public footpath north of Monksilver Stream to Doniford Road close to St. Peter’s Church of England First School. This section includes a new crossing on Doniford Road to connect with existing paths on the Orchard Brooks estate.
Phase two will extend from the eastern edge of Orchard Brooks, running alongside Doniford Road and culminating near a roundabout that intersects Alamein Road, Cassino Road, and Rangoon Road at Watchet’s edge. This route will link Williton and Watchet directly, allowing residents of the Underwood Gardens estate to reach local facilities without car travel.
Both paths will be four metres wide, facilitating safe two-way passage for cyclists and mobility scooter users, and will be constructed using environmentally sensitive methods consistent with existing Steam Coast Trail sections.
Matt Tucker of Savills, representing the Wyndham Estate, stated that these works are integral to the approved development and ensured no adverse environmental impact from the proposed construction.
In addition to the paths, the Station Fields project will improve the B3191 North Road crossing at a £200,000 cost and upgrade surrounding footpaths, including one between the new homes and Williton Community Hospital. These enhancements are tied to progressive stages of housing occupation, with associated costs estimated around £500,000.
Harry Singer of the Steam Coast Trail expressed optimism following a recent site visit with Somerset Council officials, highlighting renewed momentum in advancing local path projects.
A council decision on the proposals is expected by spring 2026, with construction anticipated to commence by late summer upon approval.