Plans to build 56 new homes just a short walk from King Ina Church of England Academy in Somerton, Somerset, have been unanimously approved by local councillors after earlier delays.
Developed by Bloor Homes South West, the Somerton Mead estate has already seen 130 homes built across its first three phases north of Bancombe Road. The latest proposal, submitted in September 2024, would extend the development north of Bradley Hill Lane, placing the new houses mere yards from the primary school grounds.
Somerset Council’s planning committee initially deferred the decision in April to request further details about access routes and child safety measures. However, after reviewing additional information, the committee voted in favor of the plan despite persistent concerns regarding increased traffic on surrounding roads.
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The development site is an L-shaped tract north of Bradley Hill Lane, directly adjacent to the school and reserved land intended for expanding the school’s playing fields. Access to the new homes will be created by extending Maple Drive over Bradley Hill Lane. Traffic will be managed through a raised traffic island and give-way markings, allowing two-way flow on Bradley Hill Lane to continue.
Originally set to include 65 homes, the proposal was scaled back to 56 following discussions with council planners. These homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with 20 units designated as affordable housing—meeting the council’s 35% target for the former South Somerset area. Of these, 16 will be social rent properties and four will be shared ownership.
A new children’s play area will be situated near the site entrance, close to existing school playing fields. Additionally, an attenuation pond will be built to reduce the risk of local flooding.
Bloor Homes will contribute nearly £616,000 toward local education. Over £469,000 is allocated for King Ina Academy, with nearly £147,000 for early years provision. The development will also provide £167,000 for youth facilities and sports amenities at the nearby Recreation Ground and over £35,000 to expand the Buttercross Health Centre, which is in the process of merging with other local surgeries.
Despite the unanimous approval, some local residents and councillors remain apprehensive about traffic impacts. Mo Fletcher of Somerton Town Council voiced concerns about congestion at Bradley Hill Lane and Northfield, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. She questioned the effectiveness of proposed traffic controls designed to deter drivers from using Bradley Hill Lane as a shortcut and stressed the need for emergency vehicle access.
Councillor Jenny Kenton expressed doubts about the play area’s location, noting that it seemed tucked away from housing, potentially compromising child safety and supervision.
Councillor Stephen Page echoed worries about traffic flow, urging more robust measures to prevent cars exiting the development onto narrow, pavement-free Northfield Road. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing child safety by minimizing vehicle movements near the school.
Any changes affecting the public highway, such as new access points or traffic calming features, will be governed by a Section 278 legal agreement between the council and developer. These often face delays, especially when land ownership issues arise, as seen in other local developments.
Councillor Tim Kerley welcomed the proposals, highlighting the opportunity to resolve longstanding drainage issues near Bradley Hill Lane through the planned attenuation pond. He saw no significant grounds to reject the plans.
With the unanimous vote, Bloor Homes can commence construction before Christmas, provided legal agreements are swiftly completed.