Revised proposals for a mixed-use development in North Petherton, Somerset, have passed their initial planning stage, paving the way for a new medical centre alongside new homes and a care facility.
North Petherton has seen notable housing growth recently, with the neighboring Bridgwater Gateway project adding roughly 500 homes. West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. unveiled plans in late 2023 for a housing scheme on A38 Taunton Road that includes a new GP surgery to replace the existing one on Church Walk.
Following thorough consultations with Symphony Healthcare Services, which manages the current surgery, and NHS Somerset’s Integrated Care Board (ICB), the developer secured a formal commitment in February: the new medical centre will be built provided planning permission for the entire development is granted.
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Somerset Council has approved the initial screening request for the site, located on the east side of the A38 between Park Lane and Parkers Field—opposite the recently completed 20-home Carrots Farm development by Summerfield Developments.
Originally aiming for 60 homes, the proposal was revised to 45 units—including 14 affordable homes—to accommodate a larger medical centre as advised by NHS Somerset. The latest plans now call for 52 homes, with 16 affordable units, meeting the 30% affordable housing target for developments of this size in the former Sedgemoor district.
The new medical centre will offer 1,200 square meters of usable space and 60 parking spaces near the site entrance. Additionally, a 66-bed care home will be constructed by LNT Care Developments at the southern edge of the site, mirroring another facility they are building in Chard.
Community amenities will include a scout hut with extra parking and a junior cricket pitch at the eastern end of the development. These will be connected to the A38 via footpaths and cycle links.
Andrew Reading from Polden Planning Ltd., representing the developer, highlighted the project’s community benefits: “The proposed development will deliver a variety of market and affordable housing alongside significant local facilities. The masterplan features substantial landscaping to create a green gateway between North Petherton and Bridgwater and noise buffers along the eastern boundary adjacent to the M5 motorway. Some of this green space will also contribute to required biodiversity net gain.”
The current surgery was identified in 2020 as one of 14 in Somerset needing expansion or relocation due to local population growth. To cope with increased demand, the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust installed two temporary Portakabins on site—first during the pandemic in 2021 and again in early 2024.
Somerset Council has now authorized the Portakabins to remain until July 2029, ensuring sufficient capacity until the new medical centre is operational.
A full planning application for the Taunton Road development is expected by the end of summer, with the council’s decision anticipated before year’s end.