A small village in Somerset, Queen Camel, located near the A303, is poised to grow by nearly 15% following the approval of a significant housing development. The Case family originally submitted outline plans in August 2019 to build 43 new homes on West Camel Road, situated between Yeovil and Sparkford.
After a lengthy approval process lasting nearly six years, Somerset Council granted outline planning permission in April 2025. The site was subsequently sold to Ashford Homes (SW) Ltd., a developer based in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, who refined and re-submitted plans two months later. The council has now given the go-ahead for the project, coinciding with the development of the new Somerset Local Plan.
The development site consists of an L-shaped area surrounding existing residences at the western end of West Camel Road, across from the Cases' farm on Rectory Close. Access to the new homes will be provided via a new junction on West Camel Road, complemented by pedestrian access to Roman Way, near planned allotments. The project includes 145 parking spaces and new pavements along West Camel Road, ensuring safe, continuous pedestrian routes to the Queen Camel Medical Centre and Countess Gytha Primary School.
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The housing mix will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, including 15 affordable homes—meeting the council’s 35% affordable housing target for large developments in the former South Somerset district. In addition to residential units, the development will feature public open spaces and allotments, enhancing community amenities.
Planning Sphere, representing the developer, emphasized the project’s benefits: “This proposal will contribute to housing supply with a diverse range of housing types and tenures, designed sensitively to respect the local landscape and create a strong sense of place. Parking complies with council standards, and pedestrian links will integrate the new development seamlessly with the surrounding area.”
The project was delayed due to the regional phosphate crisis, which halted many developments across the South Somerset area. To address environmental concerns, the developers will purchase phosphate credits from WCI, a firm in Wiveliscombe dedicated to upgrading septic systems within the River Parrett catchment to reduce phosphate runoff.
Financial contributions include nearly £297,000 to expand places at Countess Gytha Primary School and over £60,000 for new play equipment in Queen Camel. The NHS Somerset integrated care board confirmed that no additional funding for medical facilities was necessary, citing adequate capacity at the local medical centre.
Planning approval was granted by council officers through delegated powers rather than a public committee vote. Principal Planning Officer Jane Fuller highlighted the development’s thoughtful design: “The scheme balances efficient land use with preserving local character, incorporating mixed housing types, public open spaces, and ensuring permeability throughout the site. Accessible recreational spaces are an important feature for residents’ quality of life.”
Despite the progress, some local residents expressed concern about the rapid expansion. Queen Camel Parish Council member Harriet Chappell highlighted that the village originally planned for 30 new homes over ten years. “The approved 43 houses represent a 14.5% increase in village size. If the adjacent field under review for development adds 30 more homes, that would rise to a 20% increase. With existing traffic challenges, particularly from heavy goods vehicles, we worry about maintaining the village’s character.”
Construction on West Camel Road is expected to commence early next year, marking a significant change for Queen Camel as it prepares to welcome new residents and enhanced community facilities.