Martock, a small village in Somerset, is on the verge of significant development with plans to build up to 100 new homes on Coat Road, pending final approval. The project, initially granted outline planning permission by Somerset Council, also includes the creation of new woodland and a community orchard, enhancing the village’s green spaces.
The site is located at the north-western edge of Martock, adjacent to the existing Lyndhurst Grove estate, where a second phase of 35 new homes was approved in December 2025. Access to the new properties will be via Coat Road, with homes arranged along a central spine road that ends at the former Great Western Railway trackbed, historically connecting Yeovil and Taunton.
Developers Countryside Partnerships Ltd. and Magna Housing Ltd. are collaborating on the project. Countryside Partnerships will build a range of market homes, from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, while Magna Housing will provide 35 affordable homes to meet the council’s 35% affordable housing requirement for developments of ten or more units in the South Somerset area.
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To reduce flood risks to both new and existing residents, the plans include multiple attenuation ponds west of the housing site. These ponds will be surrounded by new woodland, creating a natural buffer zone near the hamlet of Coal. In addition, a circular footpath will be installed around this woodland for the benefit of the community.
A spokesperson from PCL Planning Ltd., representing the applicants, stated, “The proposal offers a well-thought-out mix of housing types that fits the character of the area, with mainly two-storey homes featuring a contemporary design. Alongside housing, a large public open space will serve current and future residents. Given the urgent need to boost housing supply, we believe planning permission should be granted without delay.”
As Martock lies within the River Parrett catchment, which requires phosphate management to protect the Somerset Levels and Moors, the development will feature an on-site treatment plant installed by Albion Water and purchase phosphate credits from the Blackdown Hills to avoid increasing phosphate levels.
Financial contributions tied to the development include over £1 million towards local education. This funding will support early years and primary education at Martock Church of England Primary School and Stanchester Academy in nearby Stoke-sub-Hamdon.
To improve safety, the 30mph speed limit on Coat Road will be extended past the entrance to the new development, making pedestrian access to the village safer. However, no additional funding has currently been secured to upgrade Martock Surgery, despite broader investment in nearby healthcare facilities.
Somerset Council is expected to make a formal decision on the proposals within six months. Due to the development’s scale and community impact, the final ruling may be made publicly by the planning committee south, rather than through delegated officer powers.