A small Somerset town is on the brink of being overwhelmed by new housing proposals, local residents warn. Place Land Ltd., a company based in Cullompton, Devon, submitted plans in early September to build 325 new homes along the A356 Station Road in Crewkerne, directly opposite the town’s railway station.
This development, long discussed since 2018, also includes a proposed ‘mobility hub’ offering extra parking spaces for the station, which runs hourly services to Exeter and London Waterloo. However, over 100 local residents have formally objected, fearing the project will further strain already overloaded services and worsen traffic congestion on Crewkerne’s busiest roads.
The town is already undergoing significant expansion. Taylor Wimpey is developing the Wool Gardens site on Crewkerne’s eastern edge, which will eventually include 635 homes. Additionally, outline planning permission exists for 150 homes between Lang Road and Station Road, with a decision from the Planning Inspectorate anticipated before Christmas on proposals rejected by Somerset Council in July 2024. Another 67 homes are planned opposite Wadham School, pending approval.
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Local resident Alys Hennessy criticised the new proposal, warning it would merge Crewkerne with neighboring Misterton, eroding the unique character of both communities. “Both towns have already contributed significantly toward national housing targets,” she said. “There are unsold homes and ongoing construction. Further development far exceeds what our town and village can handle. If more housing is needed, it should focus on repurposing brownfield sites, not consuming precious countryside.”
Traffic concerns dominate local opposition. The A356 is heavily congested, sharing traffic from the railway station with cars from the Wool Gardens estate until a relief road is completed. Andrew Raggett, another resident, highlighted that “Crewkerne’s roads frequently gridlock with minor incidents causing long queues.” He urged a thorough traffic survey before any more development is approved, calling any premature decision “wholly irresponsible.”
Residents also warn of pressure on essential services. Juliet Eardley from Station Road emphasized the town’s healthcare and education are already stretched. “The GP surgery is overwhelmed and has had temporary closures. Our community hospital is at risk of losing inpatient beds. Wadham School recently ended its sixth form, and there’s no NHS dental service available. No new schools are planned despite hundreds of potential new pupils.”
Environmental and flood risks add to concerns. Sophie Larter pointed out that while the proposed site is on higher ground, flooding regularly affects nearby areas such as Viney Bridge and Misterton’s main road. She also highlighted the loss of green spaces, ancient hedgerows, mature trees, wildlife habitats, and valuable farmland—assets that cannot be replaced once gone.
Crewkerne Town Council is set to discuss the plans at its meeting on Monday, October 13. Somerset Council is expected to make a final decision in spring 2026. Given the scale of the application, it will likely be reviewed publicly by the council’s planning committee rather than through delegated planning officer powers.