Plans have been revealed for up to 250 new homes near the scenic King’s Cliff forest walk in Somerset, pending approval. The development, proposed by Barwood Land, is located on Shovel Lane, less than a mile from the popular woodland area managed by Forestry England within the Quantock Hills.
North Petherton, which has experienced rapid housing growth over the past decade, is facing increasing pressure on local services and a shrinking green buffer between the town and Bridgwater. This new housing proposal aims to address these challenges while providing thoughtfully designed living spaces.
The Shovel Lane site is situated to the west of the road and to the south of another planned project by Bloor Homes South West, which will deliver 140 homes accessed via Dancing Hill. Access to the new development will be facilitated through a new junction connecting directly to the A38 Taunton Road, while Shovel Lane itself will be reached via a newly constructed T-junction.
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Pedestrian pathways will link residents to Shovel Lane on the north-eastern edge and Cliff Road at the northern boundary, offering easy walking access to the King’s Cliff woodland area. According to the Sedgemoor Local Plan, 30% of the homes—equating to 75 properties—will be affordable housing, addressing some of the local demand.
The plans include a community orchard and extensive landscaping, particularly along the western perimeter, which will serve as a green buffer connecting the development to the surrounding countryside. This will help preserve the area’s natural character and provide residents with tranquil outdoor spaces.
A spokesperson for Carney Sweeney, representing the applicant, emphasized the proposed development’s community benefits: “These new homes will be supported by substantial landscaping and infrastructure improvements to create a well-connected, attractive, and vibrant neighbourhood. Residents will enjoy proximity to North Petherton’s amenities, including a convenience store, medical surgery, post office, schools, sports clubs, parks, and a range of eateries.”
The site is well-served by bus routes linking Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, and Taunton, promoting sustainable transportation options.
Existing landscape features such as hedgerows will be preserved to maintain the natural environment and establish a robust, appealing landscape framework. This strategy supports modest town expansion alongside the delivery of much-needed housing.
Local residents have until July 6 to submit feedback on the initial design proposals via the Carney Sweeney consultation website or by email at [email protected]. Following consultation, Barwood Land plans to submit an outline planning application to Somerset Council by late summer.
Somerset Council will conduct further consultation with the community and statutory bodies, including North Petherton Town Council, with a decision anticipated early next year. Due to the project’s scale, the planning committee north, which oversees major applications in the former Sedgemoor area, is expected to review the application rather than it being decided through delegated planning officer powers.
Barwood Land is also developing plans for 360 homes, a community hub, and a country park at Frome’s northern edge, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable regional development.