Somerset Council is actively pursuing nearly £318,000 in unpaid Section 106 contributions from five housing developments across the region. These financial contributions, provided by developers, support local infrastructure projects such as affordable housing, community facilities, and school places.
Section 106 agreements require developers to make payments or provide services when certain development milestones are reached, typically tied to the number of homes completed. However, delays often occur due to changes in site ownership, viability challenges, or legal disputes.
A Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed the council’s outstanding balance of £317,774.50 spans five key sites, with the oldest dating back to 2015.
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The largest outstanding debt, nearly £188,420—almost 60% of the total—is linked to the Lake View Quarry estate in Keinton Mandeville, near Somerton. Initially granted outline planning permission in 2015 to Lakeview Stone Supplies for 42 homes and commercial space, the site was later sold to Galion Homes. Galion secured detailed permission in 2017 and began construction in 2018. The council confirms the owed sum relates to contributions for community infrastructure including a hall, changing rooms, and playgrounds. Legal action has commenced, with payments now proceeding via an instalment plan.
Other notable outstanding contributions include £54,532 for a conversion project at 41 Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea, by Domo Developments Ltd., tied to affordable housing. This site recently changed ownership, and the council is monitoring payment progress.
Wyatt Homes owes £41,130 for a 54-home development with sports and play facilities north of Thorne Lane, Yeovil. Approval came in 2023 for this Brimsmore key site, with the council currently reviewing records to clarify the payment status.
The Acorn Property Group has an outstanding amount of £29,768 for an 8-home development on the Cross Farm site in Wedmore. The contribution targets affordable housing, and discussions continue over the payment trigger.
Finally, £3,930 remains outstanding from Axeus Group Ltd. for the redevelopment of Morgan House in Bridgwater into 33 flats. This amount pertains to late payment interest on contributions for improving nearby public open spaces, with the principal amount already paid.
The council explains that outstanding Section 106 payments commonly arise due to timing of payment triggers, changes in site ownership, and necessary legal processes. Efforts are ongoing to secure these vital funds to support local community infrastructure.