Residents of Castle Cary and the neighboring parish of Ansford have just one week left to provide their initial feedback on a proposed development of 100 new homes. Over the past decade, this growing Somerset town has experienced substantial housing expansion, particularly along Station Road (B3152), connecting the town center to the railway station.
One of the largest ongoing projects is Mulberry Meadows, where Stonewater is building 125 homes near the Crown Pets Foods factory. However, the development has faced criticism for failing to deliver more than £570,000 in promised local facility contributions.
Now, Hannick Homes & Developments Ltd is seeking planning permission to construct 100 additional homes directly south of Mulberry Meadows. Residents can participate in the consultation until June 15.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Injury Update Ahead of Exeter Chiefs Semi-Final: Russell, Pepper, and Hennessey
READ MORE: Major Milestone: Iconic Birnbeck Pier Reconnects with Mainland After Decades
The new neighborhood will be accessed via Bilberry Avenue and Pear Close, linking into the existing Stonewater estate. If approved, the development will transform the remaining green field surrounded by existing homes, the Torbay Road industrial estate, and the future site of a new primary school. This school is part of the nearby Tor View development, where Persimmon Homes Severn Valley is building 162 homes.
Of the 100 planned homes, 35 will be designated as affordable housing, aligning with Somerset Council’s requirement for developments of ten or more homes in the former South Somerset area.
The plans include maintaining and enhancing existing public rights of way through the site, including a pedestrian link to the new school. Efforts will be made to preserve veteran trees where possible.
A spokesperson from Corylus Planning and Environmental, representing the developer, explained that the scheme will feature higher-density housing at its core with lower-density homes bordering current residences. This design aims to minimize visual impact for residents along Juniper Road, Pear Close, and Bilberry Avenue.
Additionally, a new play area is planned in the southeast corner of the site, accessible to both new and existing residents via Compton Drive. The development intends to offer public open space alongside a mix of market-rate and affordable homes to create a well-integrated community.
Previously, Hannick Homes secured outline permission for 530 homes at Folletts Farm in Bridgwater (later sold to Barratt Homes) and 53 homes on Houlgate Way in Axbridge, which were eventually developed by Bellway Homes South West.
Residents interested in sharing their views on the Castle Cary development are encouraged to respond before June 15. Following this consultation, Hannick Homes plans to submit a formal planning application to Somerset Council by late summer.
Further consultations will involve local residents, statutory bodies, Castle Cary Town Council, and Ansford Parish Council, with a final planning decision expected early next year. Given the development’s scale, the application may be reviewed publicly by the council’s planning committee south, which oversees major projects in the former South Somerset area, rather than through delegated officer powers.