More than 1,200 residents of Bridgwater have voiced strong opposition to proposed plans for a new housing development comprising 220 homes on the town’s south-western edge.
Bloor Homes South West first unveiled intentions in July 2025 to develop up to 225 homes on land between Rhode Lane and Hamp Brook, adjacent to the Wilstock Village housing estate. In response, community members swiftly launched an online petition urging Somerset Council to reject the plans and safeguard this vital green space. As of January 20, the petition has amassed 1,233 signatures.
The developer has now officially submitted an outline application, slightly reducing the number to 220 homes. A council decision on the proposal is anticipated by summer.
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The proposed site lies within the Sedgemoor Local Plan’s designated area known as “The Meads” — an informal recreational space featuring natural waterways like Hamp Brook and Durleigh Brook. This area not only supports biodiversity but also plays a crucial role in local flood prevention. Somerset Council has actively worked to maintain and enhance walking paths across The Meads to encourage public access to this green oasis.
Situated west of existing homes on Risemoor Road and about a mile’s walk from the forthcoming Wilstock Primary School on Cosmos Drive (expected to open September 2027), the development plans include dual access points from Rhode Lane. Additionally, pedestrian and cycling pathways will link the new homes with Risemoor Road, Rhode Lane, and existing footpaths through The Meads connecting to Durleigh Gardens housing estate.
The site will feature a children’s play area on its western border and substantial landscaping along the northern edge to provide a natural buffer between the homes and The Meads, enhancing biodiversity near Hamp Brook.
Of the 220 homes, 66 will be affordable, fulfilling the council’s policy requiring 30% affordable housing in developments with ten or more homes within the former Sedgemoor district.
A spokesperson for Marrons, acting for Bloor Homes, emphasized that the development aims to deliver high-quality homes while addressing local housing needs. “The site offers accessible links to amenities and green spaces. The project promotes active, healthy lifestyles through a network of pedestrian paths, play areas, and open views to nature,” they said.
Bloor Homes has a strong track record in Bridgwater, having constructed hundreds of homes across Wilstock and Stockmoor villages, as well as 237 homes near Willowdown Primary Academy on King’s Drive. The developer is also working on major projects in Taunton and Wellington, including a new £20 million railway station in Wellington that future developments will support.
Local resident and petition organizer Alex Shaw-Young stressed the importance of protecting this valued green space for future generations. “The more of us who oppose this, the better our chance of halting the development. If you treasure these fields, please sign and share the petition. Every signature counts,” Shaw-Young said.
Somerset Council’s planning committee north, responsible for major applications in the former Sedgemoor area, is expected to publicly review and decide on the application later this year. Should approval be granted, a detailed design and layout application will follow before construction can commence.