Revised plans have been submitted for the development of 47 new homes on the western edge of Wells, near the B3139 Elm Close junction with Gipsy Lane. The proposal, advanced by Acorn Property Group on behalf of Wells LVA LLP and Little Burcott Ltd., follows an earlier outline application from August 2023 that was narrowly refused by Somerset Council’s planning committee east in December 2024. The committee reversed its decision in January 2025 after updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The current detailed application maintains the original vision of 47 homes, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, including 19 affordable units—accounting for 40% of the total. The development will feature 122 parking spaces and provide a mix of housing types to create a balanced community.
Infrastructure improvements are a key part of the proposal: the existing junction with Gipsy Lane will be transformed into a new T-junction with an added cycle lane along Elm Close, connecting with a neighboring 100-home development by David Wilson Homes. Access to Gipsy Lane will be rerouted through the estate, and the public right of way will be upgraded to ensure safe pedestrian access to Burcott Lane.
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Significant public amenities will also be incorporated, including a children’s play area, an attenuation pond, and a green buffer zone acting as a natural edge between Wells and the nearby village of Wookey. Moreover, the development includes a commitment to contribute over £11,000 towards enhancing active travel infrastructure via improvements to the Strawberry Line route, a popular city trail.
A spokesperson for Angus Meek Architects, representing the developer, highlighted the project’s sensitivity to the local environment: “Our design respects the site’s character and surrounding context, aiming to deliver a sustainable, diverse community. The homes are conveniently located near local services, workplaces, and transport, while also enhancing cycling and pedestrian connectivity.”
Wells’ western edge has seen significant growth over the past decade, notably with the Priory Fields estate (119 homes) and Rose Banks development (220 homes). Other recent approvals include David Wilson Homes’ ‘The Elms’ on Elm Close, Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd.’s 50-home project south of Wells Touring Park, and Gladman Developments’ 78-home scheme on Wookey Hole Road.
Additionally, proposals are underway for further large-scale developments nearby, including a 116-home plan on Elm Close by Gleeson and the relocation of Wells Rugby Club to Portway, freeing the current rugby pitches for a 106-home development by Stonewater.
Somerset Council is expected to decide on the Acorn Property Group’s detailed plans before Christmas 2025. Given the development’s significance, the decision will likely be made publicly by the planning committee east rather than through delegated officer authority.