Plans for a new housing estate in Yeovil have undergone significant alterations that have left local villagers feeling “bewildered” and worried about increased flood risks. Yeovil LVA LLP had initially secured outline planning permission in March 2024 for 252 homes on the Mudford Sock site, situated north of the A359 Mudford Road. This approval included the creation of a “constructed treatment wetland” at the northern end of the site, intended to serve as a generous green buffer and offset a net increase in phosphates affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The land was later sold to Bloor Homes South West, who submitted plans for the first phase of development, comprising 109 homes, branded as “Oakmere Rise.” However, Somerset Council’s planning committee responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area has voted to modify these plans. The committee opted to replace the planned wetlands with more conventional sustainable urban drainage solutions (SUDS), such as attenuation ponds and reed-beds, repurposing the wetlands area as public open space.
This change has prompted concern from local groups downstream of the site, including the 3 Villages Flood Group representing Ashington, Chilton Cantelo, and Mudford. Duncan Woodward, speaking at the committee meeting on 29 July, highlighted that the Planning Inspectorate’s original approval viewed the wetlands not only as phosphate mitigation but also as integral to flood resilience. He criticised the narrower approach taken by the council’s planning officer, which acknowledged the loss of broader flood defence benefits but lacked evidence demonstrating that the replacement drainage would provide equivalent flood storage, attenuation, and protection for downstream communities.
READ MORE: Government announces major planning reforms to boost housing near transport hubs
READ MORE: Massive Power Outage Leaves Over 1,500 Properties in Crewkerne Without Electricity
James Cary, chairman of the Friends of Mudford Action Group (FOMAG), likened the plan modifications to the “Trigger’s Broom” sequence from the television show Only Fools and Horses, a metaphor for something altered so much it ceases to be the same. He emphasised that the removal of the wetlands eliminates vital landscape character, place-making attributes, and environmental advantages, stating, “Without the bio-diverse habitat, how can this be the same scheme? Unlike Trigger’s broom, this is not a joke.”
Dawn Woodward, a Mudford resident and FOMAG member, further expressed concerns that the removal undermines ongoing efforts to manage flooding along the River Yeo catchment. She pointed out that government mapping designates the site as having high potential for natural flood management. Local monitoring conducted in partnership with the Yeovil Community Rivers Trust recorded rainfall levels approximately 37% higher than the average figures used in the developer’s drainage modelling. Additionally, with other developments planned to discharge surface water into the same network of ditches linked to Bearley Brook, she stressed the importance of assessing cumulative impacts on downstream communities rather than examining each development in isolation.
Robin Bowring of Mudford Parish Council underscored flooding as the community’s prime concern, questioning the management of excess water if the wetlands area is removed. Representatives from Bloor Homes South West indicated that should the amended drainage plans be rejected, they would revert to the original wetland scheme without affecting other costs.
Under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, any residential development of 150 homes or more that faces refusal at local level can be escalated to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, potentially triggering an expensive public inquiry.
Councillor Stephen Page of Somerton raised safety considerations, especially for children in the new estate, in relation to the proposed drainage system. Planning officer Dawn de Vries assured the committee that no unsafe proposals would be approved.
Councillors Mike Stanton and Oliver Patrick, both of the Liberal Democrats, expressed support for the revised drainage approach, citing environmental and aesthetic improvements. Stanton, also chair of the Somerset Rivers Authority board, viewed the new system as more attractive for residents, while Patrick highlighted a biodiversity net gain of 20%, double the requirement, and noted the lower carbon footprint of SUDS compared to artificial wetlands reliant on mechanical pumps.
Following approximately two hours of debate, the planning committee voted seven to three in favour of the amended plans, with one abstention. Decisions regarding both the first phase of housing and a separate application aimed at accelerating the construction of a new access crossroads are anticipated before Christmas.