Chard residents are facing a prolonged wait to learn the outcome of a significant housing development planned for the northern outskirts of their town. In January 2019, Mctaggart & Mickel Homes England Ltd. and the S. E. Blackburn Discretionary Trust presented proposals for up to 295 homes and a new stadium for Chard Town Football Club, situated between Thorndun Park Drive and Crimchard.
Despite the South Somerset District Council initially approving the plans in February 2020, the stadium component faced reassessment due to unsettled legal agreements caused by the phosphate crisis affecting Somerset’s development projects. Originally scheduled for a crucial decision on Tuesday, December 19, the fate of the development has now been postponed indefinitely as the developer reviews the necessary legal agreements concerning the non-residential segment of the project.
The layout of the proposed development remains largely unchanged, with the new stadium and additional pitches placed centrally amidst the new homes. Notably, 35% of the 295 dwellings are designated as affordable housing. Additionally, the new stadium, complete with a clubhouse and retail space, offers the Chard Town Football Club an opportunity to move from their existing ground to a more favorable location.
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Approving the project would see the developers contribute over £4.4 million towards new school places in Chard, including provisions for primary and secondary schools. Moreover, significant funds are earmarked for improving GP services in the town, along with the establishment of new walking and cycling routes and public transportation stops.
However, the Somerset Council revealed that a decision would not be reached before Christmas, leaving the timeline for the plans' resubmission uncertain.
A council spokesperson stated, “The applicants have confirmed that they are now taking further advice on the proposed terms of the legal agreement required to secure the necessary community and environmental benefits of the development. Until then, the council cannot properly determine the suitability of the application.”