Plans are underway to build up to 400 new homes north of the M5 Dunball services in Somerset, potentially creating a vibrant new community on the edge of Bridgwater. Developer Mac Mic Strategic Land has submitted initial proposals for a residential development between the A38 Bristol Road and Pawlett Road, directly north of the existing Dunball services area.
The project aims to deliver not only a substantial housing expansion but also commercial spaces and a community hub designed to foster local engagement. Amenities could include a gym, leisure facilities, and shared green spaces such as a community orchard and allotments.
Somerset Council is expected to review the screening request for the development by spring, with more detailed plans to follow pending approval. The site borders the village of Puriton to the south, with existing homes along Downend Road.
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Vehicle access will be limited to a new junction off Bristol Road, carefully positioned away from the entrance to the British Car Auctions site. Several pedestrian linkages are planned to enhance connectivity with Downend Road and Pawlett Road, including potential improvements to the existing M5 footbridge to encourage safe walking routes.
A public right of way that traverses the site north to south will also be upgraded to better connect the different parts of the new neighborhood and adjacent communities.
Of the 400 homes proposed, at least 30% (approximately 120 homes) will be affordable, addressing local housing needs. The commercial and community hub will be located near the western entrance, creating a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.
According to a spokesperson from Carney Sweeney, representing the land promoter, the development’s proximity to key regional hubs such as the Hinkley Point C park and ride and the Gravity enterprise zone offers excellent economic connectivity. This unique location supports the vision of a sustainable, well-integrated extension of Bridgwater to meet housing demands alongside strategic employment growth.
To the east of the site, orchards and allotments will serve as a green buffer between the new homes and the nearby railway line, promoting environmental and recreational benefits.
If approved, the development would significantly expand Puriton village, effectively dividing it into two parts separated by the M5 and the Bristol to Exeter railway. Residents in the new western neighborhood will have limited access to existing village facilities, relying on the M5 footbridge or driving via the upgraded Dunball roundabout and the A39.
It is important to note that the Puriton Neighbourhood Plan, ratified in August 2024, does not currently designate this site or any other village lands for residential growth.
The development area forms part of the ‘purple route’ of the Bridgwater Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), aiming to provide continuous pedestrian and cycling links between Bridgwater town center and the emerging gigafactory at the Gravity enterprise zone.
Meanwhile, the council is consulting on proposals to convert a portion of Downend Road into a ‘green lane’ by restricting motor vehicle access near the A39, enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Following the spring decision on the screening request, any detailed plans for the project will likely be considered by the local planning committee, given the proposal’s scale and importance in the former Sedgemoor area.