Nearly 50 new homes are set to be constructed near one of Somerset’s busiest railway stations, pending approval of revised planning proposals. Castle Cary, a town that has experienced notable residential growth over the past decade, borders the site, which lies in the neighbouring parish of Ansford.
Backhouse Housing initially proposed building 60 homes on Burfitt Road, opposite a larger 200-home plan north of Ansford Hill (A371). After public consultation, the Chippenham-based developer has scaled back its proposal to 49 homes, following its successful completion of 74 houses at nearby Lovel’s Farm off Station Road (B3152).
The new development will be accessible from Burfitt Road within the Lovel’s Farm site, featuring pedestrian links to Lockett Drive on the west side and Ansford Hill. There is also a potential pedestrian crossing over the main road, creating seamless walking and cycling routes to the railway station, which serves approximately 310,000 passengers annually, via Station Green’s existing footpath.
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Currently, no pedestrian connection is planned between this site and Redcliffe Homes' 29-house development on Station Road, approved in September 2024.
Grass Roots Planning, representing Backhouse, commented: “This scheme offers significant benefits, including 49 dwellings with up to 17 affordable homes, in an accessible location urgently needing housing supply. The density and design have been carefully adjusted to complement the surrounding landscape and adjacent developments, promoting harmony within the community. We urge the council to approve this application to address the local housing shortfall.”
Given Castle Cary’s location within the River Brue catchment, environmental safeguards are crucial. Backhouse plans to establish a new orchard on the eastern part of the site to mitigate phosphate runoff into the Somerset Levels and Moors, while also meeting government mandates to increase biodiversity by 10%.
Somerset Council is expected to decide on both this proposal and revised plans for Station Green by year-end. Due to the projects' scale and importance, these decisions will likely be made publicly by the council’s planning committee south, responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area, rather than by planning officers under delegated authority.