Somerset Council has confirmed that new homes planned for the village of Othery on the Somerset Levels must be allocated to people with a strong local connection. This ruling applies to the first phase of a development proposed by South West Strategic Developments, which involves building seven homes on the southern side of A372 New Road at Load Pool Farm.
Despite the developer’s request to lift the requirement for local residency due to low market interest, council members unanimously rejected the proposal. They expressed concerns that removing the “local connection” condition would undermine the council’s planning strategy for rural communities.
The site, currently home to agricultural buildings, lies just south of existing homes on Peppers Close. Of the seven homes planned, two will be sold on the open market, while the remaining plots are designated for self-build, restricted to individuals with local ties to the parish of Othery—such as employment in the village or familial connections.
Council members highlighted that Othery is intended to accommodate growth meeting local needs rather than speculative development. Councillors argued that allowing non-local buyers would dangerously set a precedent for similar future developments across rural Somerset.
The council also noted that the lack of interest from buyers is a result of the developer’s high asking price, not the local connection condition. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining this policy to protect the character and sustainability of rural communities.
Following extensive debate, planners voted six to zero (with two abstentions) to uphold the condition that new homes must serve those with an appropriate local connection.