Plans are underway to enhance connectivity between the expanding communities of Watchet and Williton in west Somerset with a new walking and cycling route. The two settlements, separated by only a few fields, have both seen considerable housing development in recent years.
Lovell Homes has started building its 350-home Station Fields development on the western edge of Williton along the A39 Priest Street. The site will also include commercial spaces, leisure facilities, and public open areas. As part of legal agreements with Somerset Council, Lovell Homes committed to creating nearly a mile (1.5km) of walking and cycling paths to improve access for residents to local schools and amenities.
The Wyndham Estate, which secured outline permission for the development in 2021, has proposed extending the Steam Coast Trail through two new path sections to connect Williton and Watchet with a safe, car-free route.
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The Steam Coast Trail currently links Minehead to Watchet via Blue Anchor, Washford, and Williton, with sections already operational since 2016 and 2018. The latest plans introduce two additional phases:
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Phase one will extend from the B3191 Five Bells, north of Danesfield Church of England Middle School, following a footpath near Monksilver Stream up to Doniford Road, close to St. Peter’s Church of England First School. A new crossing here will connect this path to the Orchard Brooks development’s existing pedestrian and cycle facilities.
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Phase two will stretch from the eastern edge of Orchard Brooks, alongside Doniford Road, to a new crossing at the roundabout where Doniford Road meets Alamein Road, Cassino Road, and Rangoon Road on Watchet’s outskirts.
This eastern route will enable residents of the Underwood Gardens estate, which comprises 139 homes by Edenstone Homes, to travel between their villages without relying on cars for short journeys.
Both paths will be four metres wide, accommodating two-way cycling and mobility scooter traffic safely. Construction will use environmentally sensitive methods consistent with the existing Steam Coast Trail sections.
Matt Tucker from Savills, representing the Wyndham Estate, emphasized that the work is essential for the approved development and has been carefully planned to avoid environmental harm.
In addition to the trail extensions costing around £500,000, the Station Fields project includes a £200,000 upgrade to the B3191 North Road crossing and enhancements to surrounding footpaths. These improvements include clearing and hardening paths connecting the new homes to Williton Community Hospital and local schools. Completion of these links is timed with the occupancy stages of the new homes.
Harry Singer of the Steam Coast Trail expressed optimism about the project’s progress following a recent site visit with Somerset Council’s principal transport planner, Stuart Kennard. He highlighted a commitment to accelerating local cycle path delivery.
The council aims to decide on the planning application by spring 2026, with construction anticipated to start in late summer, provided approvals are granted.