Revised Plans Proposed for 90 Homes on Flood-Prone Field Near Somerset Rugby Club

New proposals have been submitted for the development of 90 homes on a field characterized by frequent flooding, located near the Tor Rugby Club in Glastonbury, Somerset. Originally granted outline planning permission in May 2023 after a successful appeal, the development site lies on Lowerside Lane opposite the rugby club and adjacent to two sets of allotments.

Waddeton Park Ltd, in collaboration with Market Harborough’s Minster Property Group, has worked to advance more detailed plans for the site allocated under the Mendip Local Plan Part II. The land was initially designated to deliver a minimum of 50 homes as an extension to the large existing residential area at Bligh Bond Road, where 133 houses have already been constructed.

The updated proposals preserve both existing allotments and introduce a single access point onto Lowerside Lane, complemented by a spine road along the site’s southern edge. The development will be divided into three housing clusters at the southern portion, while the northern area will be dedicated to play spaces, attenuation ponds, and landscaped buffers separating the development from Common Moor Drove and the surrounding countryside. Pedestrian access to Common Moor Drove will also be improved, providing proximity to the Butler Carnival Park.

Jake Stentiford from Surface Planning, representing the developers, highlighted the emphasis on green infrastructure integrated throughout the site. The design includes extensive open spaces, native woodland, pocket parks, and children’s play areas, aiming to foster a strong sense of place. Parking is thoughtfully incorporated on-plot to maintain a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and blend harmoniously with public routes and open spaces.

Residents will benefit from the site’s location approximately one mile from Glastonbury town centre, accessible via an existing underpass along the active travel route on A39 Wells Road. Nearby amenities include Glastonbury Surgery on Feversham Lane, recently upgraded with two additional clinical rooms as part of a £1 million government investment in Somerset’s GP facilities.

However, local resident Will Parfitt voiced strong opposition, criticizing the suitability of the flood-prone land for housing. Parfitt argued that expanding allotments would better support food security, especially amid global challenges. He also cited concerns about the narrow and poorly positioned access from the bypass, safety issues due to vehicle speeds, and the broader impact on the town’s boundaries. Parfitt contended that alternative, more appropriate sites exist and warned that the new homes may offer a lower quality of life compared to existing nearby properties.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the revised planning application before Christmas. Due to the development’s scale and importance, the final determination will likely be made publicly by the council’s planning committee east, rather than by officers under delegated powers.