Revised proposals for 90 new homes on a vulnerable field near Tor Rugby Club in Glastonbury have been submitted to Somerset Council, reigniting concerns about flooding and local infrastructure.
Waddeton Park Ltd initially secured outline permission in May 2023 after an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Since then, the developer has partnered with Minster Property Group of Market Harborough, Leicestershire, to present detailed plans for the site on Lowerside Lane.
Located between two existing allotment sites and close to both the rugby club and Glastonbury Football Club’s ground on Godney Road, the land was earmarked in the Mendip Local Plan Part II to deliver at least 50 homes. The council described the site as a logical extension of the neighboring residential area on Bligh Bond Road, where 133 homes have been built by Keepmoat Regeneration and Sanctuary Housing Association.
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The latest design preserves both allotments and proposes a single vehicular access from Lowerside Lane, with a new spine road bordering the southern edge of the site. Housing will cluster in three pockets at the southern end, while the northern section will be dedicated to play areas, attenuation ponds, and substantial landscaping to provide a buffer between the development, Common Moor Drove, and surrounding countryside. Pedestrian access will also connect to Common Moor Drove near the Butler Carnival Park, known for the town’s annual carnival cart preparations.
Jake Stentiford from Surface Planning, representing the developers, emphasized the environmentally conscious approach: “The layout is heavily landscape-led with extensive green infrastructure throughout, including open spaces, a pocket park, woodland walks, and children’s play areas. Native trees and hedgerows will be widely planted to create a strong sense of place. Parking is designed to avoid dominating the streetscape, supporting a pedestrian-friendly environment well integrated with public routes and open spaces.”
The site sits about a mile from Glastonbury town centre, with residents able to use an underpass leading to an active travel route along the A39 Wells Road. New residents will also be within a 20-minute walk of Glastonbury Surgery on Feversham Lane, which recently received a £1 million government investment to expand clinical services across Somerset.
Despite these benefits, local opposition remains vocal. Resident Will Parfitt criticized the housing plan, arguing the land’s susceptibility to flooding and the limited access pose serious drawbacks. Parfitt suggests the area would serve the community better as expanded allotments to enhance local food security amid global uncertainties. He stated, “This field floods even without heavy rain and isn’t suitable for housing. The access road is narrow and dangerously located given traffic speeds. Allocating this land to more allotments would provide a vital food resource, benefiting many residents.”
Concerns were also raised about the impact of expanding the town’s boundaries and whether all consequences have been thoroughly considered. Parfitt added, “There are more suitable places to build nearby, and this development could reduce the living quality for new residents compared to existing homes closer to town.”
Somerset Council is expected to decide on the revised application in the coming months. Due to the proposal’s scale, the planning committee east—responsible for major developments in the former Mendip area—is anticipated to make the final decision publicly, rather than via delegated officer authority.