The revised proposals for 200 new homes near Somerset’s bustling railway station have been revealed to the public. The plans, put forward by Wyke Farms and Hopkins Development, outline the development of land on the A371 Ansford Hill in Castle Cary, which stands as one of the last remaining undeveloped green spaces between the station and the town center.
South Somerset District Council had initially rejected the plans in May 2020. However, following a lengthy public inquiry, this decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in May 2022. The revised plans for the ‘Station Green’ development, comprising the same number of homes, have recently been made available online. A reserved matters application is expected to be submitted to Somerset Council in the near future.
The Station Green proposals include a single vehicular access onto Ansford Hill at the south, with the new homes forming a crescent arrangement around public open space to the east. Additionally, the developer intends to resurface the existing footpath that links the railway station to Ansford Hill as part of the construction, with two pedestrian access points from the development.
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Of the 200 homes planned for the site, 70 will be affordable, meeting the council’s target of 35% affordable housing for developments of ten homes or more within the former South Somerset area. The ‘Station Green’ development will retain existing vegetation and make various infrastructure improvements as per the outline planning permission.
The developer will also make significant financial contributions to services in Ansford and Castle Cary, including funds for new primary school places and changing facilities at the Donald Pither Memorial Ground. Additionally, due to the appeal decision, the development will incorporate measures to prevent any net increase in phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The ‘Station Green’ development aims to respect and enhance the existing character of Castle Cary and Ansford. It is designed with families in mind, offering equipped play areas, open green spaces, and easy access to local facilities. Those interested can provide feedback on the proposals at www.station-green.com. A reserved matters application is expected to be submitted to Somerset Council after Christmas.