A proposal for an additional 60 homes near Castle Cary’s railway station could soon become a reality, subject to planning approval. Over the past decade, Castle Cary has experienced substantial housing growth, with multiple new estates developing between the town centre and the nearby Ansford parish where the railway station is located.
Revised plans for the Station Green development, published in October 2024, feature the delivery of 200 homes between the railway station and the A371 Ansford Hill—a project that secured outline planning permission on appeal in May 2022.
Now, Backhouse Housing, a Chippenham-based developer, has revealed initial plans to build 60 more homes directly south of the Station Green site. Local residents have until Monday, August 4, to share their feedback.
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Backhouse previously completed 74 homes on the adjacent Lovel’s Farm site off Station Road (B3152). Access to the new development would be from Burfitt Road within Lovel’s Farm, with a pedestrian entrance connecting to Lockett Drive on the western boundary.
The developer has also proposed a pedestrian crossing over Ansford Hill to ensure a continuous walking and cycling route to the railway station using existing footpaths adjacent to Station Green. However, it remains unclear if there will be a southern link connecting to Redcliffe Homes’ approved development of 29 houses nearby.
In accordance with Somerset Council’s planning policies, 35% of the new homes – approximately 21 properties – will be designated as affordable housing.
A spokesperson for Grass Roots Planning, representing Backhouse Housing, commented: “This site offers excellent access to everyday amenities in both Ansford and Castle Cary, including schools, shops, workplaces, and leisure facilities. The current Station Road access is adequate to accommodate the extra homes, and sufficient parking will be provided on site to prevent overspill onto neighbouring streets. Our goal is to deliver a high-quality residential development integrated with the surrounding area, while preserving the unique character of Castle Cary and Ansford.”
Located within the River Brue catchment, the development must incorporate measures to mitigate phosphate pollution affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. To address this, the developer plans to establish a new orchard on the eastern portion of the site, contributing to biodiversity objectives that require a 10% increase as mandated by the government.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposals and submit their views by August 4 via www.backhouseconsultation.co.uk/castle-cary, by email to [email protected], or by post to Grass Roots Planning, Suites 9 & 10, Bristol North Baths, 98 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8BN.
Following this consultation phase, a formal planning application will be submitted by Christmas. Due to the scale of the project, the decision will likely be made publicly by Somerset Council’s planning committee south, which oversees major developments in the former South Somerset area, rather than by planning officers through delegated powers.