A housing development on Portfield Street in Langport, Somerset, has been approved for a second time—this time without any funding allocated for local schools. Developer Roger Burton initially pledged over £184,000 for Huish Episcopi Primary School to accommodate the anticipated increase in pupils due to the 22 new homes proposed on the western edge of the town.
However, Somerset Council’s education department recently confirmed that both Huish Episcopi Primary School and Curry Rivel Primary School have sufficient capacity to meet demand until at least 2030. As a result, the council has withdrawn the request for education contributions from the development.
The council’s statement outlined that Curry Rivel Primary School has a net capacity of 178 pupils with planned admissions of 25, while Huish Episcopi Primary School can accommodate 210 pupils with planned admissions of 30. Declining birth rates in rural Somerset are partly responsible for the projected sufficiency in school places.
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Though education funding is no longer required, Mr. Burton remains responsible for nearly £66,000 in contributions toward local leisure and youth facilities, as well as nearly £13,000 for the proposed expansion of Langport Surgery. Additionally, seven of the 22 homes will be affordable housing, meeting the council’s 35 percent affordable housing target for developments of this size in the former South Somerset area.
The planning committee south unanimously re-approved the plans on April 21 following a brief debate. Local residents had previously raised concerns about flooding and road safety, but these issues did not prevent approval.
Councillor Oliver Patrick expressed frustration over the committee needing to reconsider the plans, questioning whether future procedures will prevent such repeated reviews.
A reserved matters application detailing the design and layout of the homes is expected to be submitted within the next year.