Persimmon Homes Wessex has submitted revised plans for 180 new homes on a highly regarded site near Midsomer Norton, described by Councillor Philip Ham as “one of the best fields in Somerset.” The site, located on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South, was initially proposed for up to 190 homes in March 2022. After discussions with Somerset Council planning officers, the proposal was reduced to 180 homes.
Although the council’s planning committee East initially rejected the application in August 2024, the decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in March after the council opted not to defend its refusal at a public inquiry. The current reserved matters application maintains the 180-home plan, with a final decision anticipated before Christmas.
The development site lies south of Fossefield Road, near St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School. Originally part of the Mendip Local Plan Part II, the field was subsequently removed from the plan following a successful judicial review, and it was omitted from the revised Local Plan Part II currently nearing adoption.
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Access to the development will be from the A367, featuring a new pedestrian crossing to connect existing neighborhoods, including Beauchamp Avenue, and the under-construction Cherry Blossom View and Somer Meadows estates. Of the 180 residences, 54 will be affordable homes, meeting the 30% local council target for developments exceeding ten units.
Emphasizing sustainability, each home will come equipped with solar panels, air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points, aligning with regional goals to build zero-carbon ready homes across the South West.
Beyond housing, Persimmon has committed nearly £84,000 towards special needs school places in Midsomer Norton, £180,000 for school transportation, and over £80,000 to local GP surgeries including Mendip Country Practice and Oakhill Surgery. The development will primarily consist of two-storey houses, with some two-and-a-half storey designs and two three-storey apartment blocks at the entrance.
Associated infrastructure will include access roads, a pumping station, substation, and landscaped open spaces. The developer assures regular assessments of contractor parking onsite throughout the construction phase to manage capacity and minimize disruption.
Somerset Council’s Planning Committee East is expected to make a public decision on the reserved matters application by year-end, given the project’s scale and community significance.