A public meeting will be convened next week for Bridgwater residents to offer feedback on the revised plans for a substantial housing development. In 2023, Edward Ware (Bridgwater) Ltd. proposed a significant project encompassing 750 houses, a primary school, and a community facility located between Bower Lane and the M5.
This development is part of the East Bridgwater housing allocation in the Sedgemoor Local Plan, extending from the Bridgwater Community Hospital site across the A372 Westonzoyland Road to the bottom of Dunwear Lane.
As a result of a viability assessment indicating that providing over 200 affordable homes within the site is not economically feasible, the Bristol-based developer has presented adjusted proposals for the site.
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A special planning meeting will be hosted by the Bridgwater Without Parish Council on April 24 to enable residents to express their opinions on the revised proposals. The final decision will be made by Somerset Council by the end of the year.
The 750 homes will be developed in three phases from north to south, and the spine road linking the homes to the A39 Bath Road will be completed between September 2026 and March 2029. Bower Lane will be downgraded between the two spine road junctions to provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists, along with the provision of cycle lanes along the spine road.
A primary school and a community facility will also be established in the area, offering a distinctive design and a layout specific to the town’s needs. The development aims to create a sustainable, accessible, and attractive environment with well-designed housing and ample open public spaces.
The special meeting of Bridgwater Without Parish Council will be held at the Morganians Rugby Club on Chedzoy Lane on Thursday, April 24 from 7:15pm.
Following the parish council’s recommendation, the final decision will be taken by Somerset Council’s planning committee in the autumn.