Queen Camel, a small village in Somerset located near the A303, is poised to grow substantially after official approval of a new housing development. The plans, initially submitted in August 2019 by the Case family, propose constructing 43 homes along West Camel Road—an increase that represents nearly a 15 percent growth in the village’s size.
After a lengthy approval process, Somerset Council granted outline planning permission in April 2025. Following this, the site was sold to Ashford Homes (SW) Ltd., a developer based in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, which submitted revised plans two months later. The new development aligns with the emerging Somerset Local Plan, setting the stage for imminent construction.
The designated site is an L-shaped plot wrapping around existing homes at the western end of West Camel Road, directly opposite the Cases’ farm on Rectory Close. The project includes a new vehicular junction and pedestrian access onto Roman Way, in close proximity to planned allotments. Additionally, 145 parking spaces will be provided to accommodate residents.
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To enhance connectivity, sidewalks will be constructed along West Camel Road, ensuring continuous pedestrian access to key village amenities, including Queen Camel Medical Centre and Countess Gytha Primary School.
The housing mix is diverse, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom family homes. Fifteen properties will be designated as affordable housing, meeting the council’s 35 percent target for developments of ten or more homes in the former South Somerset area.
A representative from Planning Sphere, the developer’s agent, emphasized the project’s commitment to quality and local integration: “Our proposal delivers a thoughtfully designed range of homes that respect the local landscape, while addressing community needs. Parking and pedestrian facilities meet council standards and connect well with surrounding amenities.”
This development was delayed for several years due to the regional phosphates crisis, which necessitated mitigation measures to prevent environmental impact on the Somerset Levels and Moors. To address this, the developer will purchase phosphate credits from WCI, a company upgrading septic tanks within the River Parrett catchment area to reduce phosphate pollution.
Beyond housing, the development includes nearly £297,000 in contributions to expand Countess Gytha Primary School and over £60,000 allocated for new play equipment in the village. Notably, NHS Somerset’s integrated care board confirmed that the existing medical centre can accommodate the increased population without requiring additional expansion funding.
Planning approval was granted by officers through delegated authority rather than via a public committee decision. Principal Planning Officer Jane Fuller highlighted that the scheme’s design evolved through community feedback, balancing efficient land use with preserving local character. The plan incorporates public open spaces, allotments, and ensures easy movement throughout the site, enhancing residents’ recreational opportunities.
However, some local residents remain concerned about rapid village growth. Harriet Chappell of Queen Camel Parish Council expressed worries about how this and potential future developments could impact village character and infrastructure. She noted, “Our 2019 Neighbourhood Plan anticipated around 30 new homes over ten years, but permission for 43 homes already exceeds that. If another nearby site is developed, we could see a 20 percent increase in size, raising concerns about traffic and community identity.”
Construction on West Camel Road is expected to begin early next year, marking a significant chapter in Queen Camel’s development.