Somerset Village Near A303 Proposed for 150 New Homes

Up to 150 new homes could soon be built in Horton, a small Somerset village near the A303, following the release of initial development plans.

Gleeson Land, a land promotion company, announced its intention in late June to seek planning permission for approximately 150 homes on Broadway Hill in Horton, situated just north of the A303 between Ilminster and the Blackdown Hills.

After hosting a public drop-in event at Horton Village Hall on July 10, the Fleet-based company submitted a screening request to Somerset Council as the first step in the planning process.

If approved, more detailed development plans will be presented in early autumn, with a final decision anticipated in the new year.

The proposed site is located south of Broadway Hill, directly opposite the existing village hall and near a planned development of 49 houses by Glastonbury-based Galion Homes, which gained permission on appeal in October 2024.

Vehicle access to the new site would be exclusively from Broadway Hill, while a proposed pedestrian link on the southeastern edge would connect the development to Horton Playing Field. This area may also see enhancements like new sports pitches and play equipment as part of the project.

Under current Somerset Council planning policies, 35% of the homes in this development—about 53 properties—must be affordable, unless the developer can prove that meeting this quota is financially unviable.

A Gleeson Land spokesperson said in June, “The emerging proposal aims to deliver much-needed new homes along with significant green infrastructure, including the possibility of extending Horton Playing Field with a new sports pitch.”

Both Horton and the neighboring village of Broadway have attracted considerable housing interest recently, partly due to their convenient location near the A303.

Currently, West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. is constructing 28 homes on the Ding Meadow site behind the Bell Inn on Broadway Road, following permission granted in December 2024.

Additionally, approval is in place for 35 more homes on Broadway Road, while Blue Spruce Properties Ltd. is seeking approval for 47 further homes on Pound Road, just south of the current sites.

Gleeson Land’s initial consultation for the Broadway Hill development will remain open for public comments until July 25. Residents can share their views via the website www.southwesthorton.co.uk, by emailing [email protected], or by writing to Nexus Planning Ltd, Beacon Tower, Bristol, BS1 4XE on behalf of Gleeson Land.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the screening request by the end of summer, with full planning applications and further consultation to follow soon after.