A unanimous vote by local councillors has led to the approval of plans for the construction of nearly 60 new homes on the outskirts of a picturesque Somerset beauty spot. The development, by Strongvox Homes, is part of the expansion of the Cricketer Farm development located to the north of the A39 Cannington Road in Nether Stowey, on the northern fringes of the Quantock Hills national landscape.
Initially, the Cricketer Farm development consisted of 109 homes, 16 of which are designated as affordable housing, made possible by a £1.5m grant from Homes England and £180,000 earmarked to mitigate the impact of the Hinkley Point C construction program. The recent approval paves the way for an additional 58 homes to be built to the north, as proposed by the Taunton-based developer.
The planning committee of Somerset Council unanimously supported the expansion in a vote held in Bridgwater, endorsing the development’s second phase. The new homes will be situated along the existing spine road, connecting the second phase to the A39 crossroads, which was completed in 2022. It’s worth noting that 40 per cent of the 58 new homes will be affordable, encompassing a range of one to four-bedroom properties.
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Significantly, the expansion plan includes the creation of two new attenuation ponds along the north and east of the site, as well as setting aside green spaces for potential community use, like an orchard. The community infrastructure levy (CIL) will contribute around £490,000 towards new schools and medical facilities in and around the village, in addition to over £23,000 allocated for the expansion and enhancement of the Quantock Medical Centre.
In response to concerns regarding the visual impact of the development, modifications were made to the original plan, including the reduction of a three-storey block of flats to two storeys. These adjustments have been well-received by local leaders, with Councillor Brian Bolt expressing his approval of the changes, appreciating that they address the dominating appearance of the structure.
The approval of the expansion plan has sparked discussions about balancing the need for housing with the preservation of natural beauty, considering other ongoing housing developments in the area. While the rising housing demands are being met through various construction projects, questions have arisen about the preservation of existing natural elements, such as mature trees on the site.
The constructive debate that ensued culminated in the unanimous approval of the expansion plans, clearing the way for construction to commence by the end of the year.