Plans have been revealed for the construction of up to 150 new homes immediately north of the proposed railway station site in Somerton, Somerset. The land east of Ricksey Lane has been earmarked for development following its identification as a potential location for a new station in the strategic outline business case (SOBC) submitted by the Langport Transport Group to the Department for Transport (DfT) in February 2022.
The Northern Trust, a developer and investment firm based in Chorley, Lancashire, has proposed building the residential development with two access points from nearby roads. Public consultation on these plans will run until Monday, July 28, with a more detailed planning application expected to be submitted to Somerset Council later this year.
This site, allocated within the South Somerset Local Plan, was anticipated to accommodate up to 140 dwellings, but the proposal slightly exceeds this with 150 homes planned. Primary access will be via an extension of Foxglove Road from the recently completed Patch Meadows development to the north, circumventing the existing attenuation pond. A secondary access point will come from Barn Close. The plans also include two new attenuation ponds along the southern boundary and new pedestrian access along Ricksey Lane.
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Significantly, 35 percent of these homes—approximately 53 properties—will be affordable, surpassing the 28 percent target set out in the Local Plan.
A Northern Trust spokesperson highlighted the proximity of the site to Somerton’s centre, local schools, shops, services, and transport infrastructure, all within a 15-minute walk. The development aims to meet essential housing needs by offering a balanced mix of homes and will support local services through Section 106 and community infrastructure levy contributions.
The project emphasizes sustainable connectivity, proposing a network of green-lined paths designed to promote walking, cycling, and wheeled transport, seamlessly linking the new community with existing residents. Biodiversity will be enhanced through additional planting and preservation of wildlife corridors.
Residents will benefit from generous public open spaces, including a community orchard, that reflect Somerton’s rural character by incorporating hedgerows and trees for natural screening.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the consultation by visiting www.landatstcleers.co.uk before the deadline. Additionally, a public drop-in event will take place at Edgar Hall, Somerton Business Park, on Wednesday, July 23, from 4 pm to 7 pm, where plans will be on display.
Following the consultation period, the developer will submit a formal planning application to Somerset Council, which will conduct further consultations before making a decision.