Ilton, a small village in Somerset located just north of the A303 and a short drive from Ilminster, is set to see the construction of up to 24 new homes, pending planning approval. The proposed development follows the recent completion of 15 homes at St Katherine’s Close by West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd., located on land south of St. Peter’s Close.
Otter Construct Ltd, based near Taunton, has recently submitted plans to build these additional homes on land immediately east of St. Peter’s Close. Somerset Council is expected to announce its decision on the proposal by Christmas.
Access to the new homes would extend from the northern end of St. Peter’s Close, with the existing cul-de-sac enlarged into a spine road running through the estate. The developer plans to retain the hedgerows and fencing along Rod Lane to preserve a natural screen between the site and the open countryside at the village’s eastern edge.
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The development would feature a mix of properties, including two-bedroom bungalows and four-bedroom houses, supported by 75 parking spaces spread throughout the site. However, due to financial viability concerns, none of the new homes would be designated as affordable housing.
A representative from Polden Planning, the applicant’s agent, stated: “This residential development is appropriate in character and scale to the existing rural settlement of Ilton and would deliver much-needed housing where there is a persistent and significant shortfall. A financial viability appraisal concluded that on-site affordable housing would render the scheme unviable.”
The proposal includes contributions toward local amenities and infrastructure, including over £66,000 for public open spaces, just over £14,000 for NHS services, and approximately £150,000 through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which funds essential projects like new roads and schools. Discussions about alternative Section 106 arrangements with the council may also be possible during the planning consideration.
Situated within the River Parrett catchment, the development must incorporate measures to prevent an increase in phosphates affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. To meet this requirement, the developer plans to invest around £373,000 in phosphate credits, typically achieved by fallowing agricultural land within the same watershed.
Somerset Council’s decision on the proposal could be made either publicly by the planning committee responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area or delegated to planning officers, though the exact process remains uncertain.