Somerset Council is seeking to recover nearly £318,000 owed from five housing developments across the region, with legal action underway to secure these overdue financial contributions.
Under Section 106 agreements, housing developers commit to funding a variety of local services—ranging from affordable housing and public open spaces to new primary school places. These payments are typically due once a specific number of homes have been built. However, delays in payment can occur due to site ownership changes or financial viability challenges.
A Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed that Somerset Council is still awaiting £317,774.50 from developers on five major projects—some dating back as far as 2015.
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The largest outstanding amount, nearly 60% of the total, is linked to the Lake View Quarry estate in Keinton Mandeville, near Somerton. Initially granted outline planning permission in July 2015 for 42 homes and commercial space, the site was sold to Galion Homes, which obtained detailed planning approval in January 2017 and started construction in 2018. The council is owed £188,419.83 from this developer, covering contributions for community facilities including a community hall, changing rooms, a children’s play area, and broader infrastructure improvements. Legal measures have been taken, and repayments are currently being made through an agreed instalment plan.
Other significant outstanding sums include £54,531.84 owed for the 41 Esplanade development in Burnham-on-Sea, where Domo Developments converted a guesthouse into 13 flats. This amount covers affordable housing contributions and is being monitored closely amid a recent ownership change.
Wyatt Homes owes £41,130 related to a 54-home development on a key site north of Thorne Lane in Yeovil, approved in March 2023. The council is reviewing records connected to this older outline permission to clarify the payment status.
In Wedmore, Acorn Property Group has an outstanding contribution of £29,768.09 for an eight-home development at Cross Farm, approved in June 2022. This relates to affordable housing, and discussions are ongoing about the payment trigger points.
Finally, £3,929.74 remains due for the redevelopment of Morgan House in Bridgwater into 33 flats by Axeus Group Ltd. While the principal amount has been paid, only late payment interest is outstanding, tied to improvements in nearby public open spaces.
The council notes that outstanding contributions can result from various factors, including timing of payment triggers aligned with construction progress, changes in site ownership, or the need for legal action to enforce payment.