The contentious development of 27 new homes is set to proceed on a site in Somerset believed by some locals to contain an unexploded World War Two bomb. The Planning Inspectorate has granted approval, finalizing plans to build on the Foxes Run site, located off Bridgewater Buildings at the south-western boundary of Castle Cary.
Initially approved on appeal in April 2019 to the Yarlington housing association, the project is now being managed by Abri, which merged with Yarlington in late 2020. Despite ongoing opposition from local residents and historians who claim the land harbors a bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe in 1942, Abri has maintained that thorough investigations found no evidence of unexploded ordinance on the site.
Construction preparations allegedly commenced in April 2022, after the original permission had expired, sparking criticism from Castle Cary councillor Henry Hobhouse who called for the permission to be revoked. Abri subsequently sought to modify development conditions in August 2024 to advance the project and appealed in May 2025 due to delays from Somerset Council in making final decisions.
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The Planning Inspectorate’s recent ruling allows construction to move forward in the coming months. The development site sits between Bridgewater Buildings and Remalard Court, with Bridgewater Buildings serving as the sole vehicle access point.
Abri has emphasized that the scheme will deliver 100% affordable homes aimed at local households, contributing significantly to Castle Cary’s housing supply. The area has historical significance due to a Luftwaffe air raid on September 3, 1942, which destroyed parts of the railway station, including a goods train and signal box, and caused one fatality. Local historical records note that five bombs were dropped near South Cary Lane, one reportedly remaining unexploded on what is now the development site.
The claim of an unexploded bomb has been a focal point on social media, leading to the hashtag #whataboutthebomb in 2022. However, Abri refutes these concerns, stating that no historic evidence supports the presence of unexploded bombs at this location.
Planning inspector C. Butcher conducted a site visit on November 13 and published his decision on January 13, 2026. He ruled that construction traffic could use Mill Lane (also known as Bridgewater Buildings) despite concerns over the narrow road and absence of pavements. The inspector acknowledged potential temporary inconvenience to residents but found no unacceptable noise or disruption levels linked to construction vehicles.
The council’s highways department estimates the development will generate 12 to 15 vehicle trips during peak times, with approximately one-third traveling via Bridgewater Buildings/Mill Lane and the rest via Brookfields. The inspector concluded the impact on traffic and safety would be minor and manageable. He also noted that junction improvements could discourage inappropriate use of Mill Lane, preventing hazards or blockages caused by parked cars.
With these approvals, the long-delayed project is poised to bring much-needed affordable housing to Castle Cary, balancing historical preservation concerns with modern development needs.