Residents of Wincanton, a growing town in Somerset, may miss out on nearly £240,000 intended for local community facilities if proposed changes to a housing development are approved.
Devonshire Homes is currently building 31 houses at the Dancing Green development on Dancing Lane, near Wincanton Community Hospital. The original planning agreement, known as a Section 106 agreement, committed £239,281 in contributions towards essential community services, including new school places, leisure facilities, and healthcare support.
However, the Tiverton-based developer now seeks to withdraw these financial obligations, citing that the project is no longer financially viable in its current form. Despite this, the development will still provide seven affordable homes, making up 22.5 percent of the total properties—significantly below Somerset Council’s usual target of 35 percent for new developments in the former South Somerset area.
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Gemma Furse, head of land and planning at Devonshire Homes, explained that affordable housing delivery remains secured through agreements with LiveWest Homes Ltd. She added: “An independent viability assessment by Chesters Harcourt shows that the scheme cannot support the full package of planning obligations. Removing all remaining monetary contributions, except for travel plan obligations, is necessary to ensure the development can be completed and deliver both market and affordable homes.”
Wincanton is set for substantial housing growth over the coming years. In July 2025, Vistry Partnerships received approval to build 80 homes north of the A371 Lawrence Hill, alongside commercial space near the town’s McDonald’s. Additionally, the West Wincanton development project proposes 650 new homes on West Hill, which may also include a primary school, a care home, and further commercial facilities.
Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the Dancing Green proposals by early autumn, determining whether the town will retain vital funding for local services.