A major housing development is underway in the Somerset village of Williton, with plans approved for 350 new homes despite ongoing concerns about flooding, traffic congestion, and renewable energy use. The Wyndham Estate secured outline planning permission in November 2021 to develop the site on A39 Priest Street, at Williton’s western edge. The project includes residential units, commercial spaces, leisure facilities, and public open areas.
After legal agreements between the landowner and Somerset Council were finalized in February 2024, Lovell Homes acquired the site and submitted revised plans in July 2024. These updated proposals have now received approval from the council’s planning committee, even as some councillors expressed worries about worsening local flooding and traffic, and questioned the limited renewable energy measures included.
Situated north of the vital A39, the development site was identified in the West Somerset Local Plan as a key location for housing growth. The project exceeds local affordable housing requirements by intending to allocate 44% of homes (approximately 155 units) as affordable, surpassing the 35% target.
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Housing options will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, all equipped with cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points. Vehicular access will be restricted to Priest Street, with commercial spaces positioned close to the main road. Existing public rights of way connecting the site to the village and community hospital will be improved.
To mitigate flooding risks, the development will include multiple balancing ponds. New allotments will be established at the eastern boundary. Additionally, £200,000 from the developer will support the construction of 1.5 kilometres of the Steam Coast Trail, enhancing the connection between B3191 Five Bells and Doniford Road.
An extra £500,000 will fund new walking and cycling links between the development and Williton village. A further £200,000 is earmarked for a toucan crossing at Five Bells to improve safe access to Danesfield Church of England School. Bus stops will also be upgraded, with up to £500,000 contributing to local bus services between Minehead, Taunton, and Bridgwater.
Despite these improvements, some councillors voiced strong objections. Councillor Rosemary Woods, whose division includes the site, warned of persistent flooding: “The land is very subject to flooding — that area was always wet. The balancing pond is placed just above the main road, which is a particular concern. If the B3191 is closed, as it is, traffic will be forced onto the A39, which is already under pressure.”
The B3191 Cleeve Hill route, linking Watchet to Blue Anchor, has been closed since January 2023 due to coastal erosion and will remain so until a new inland diversion can be funded. This closure puts added strain on the A39, the primary route for travel in the area.
Councillor Nick O’Donnell echoed traffic concerns, comparing the situation to housing developments in Taunton with limited road access. He warned: “With 350 homes feeding onto the A39, cars will likely queue and exacerbate traffic problems.”
Lovell Homes is simultaneously working on two other significant local projects: an 80-home development in Cotford St. Luke and 71 homes in Wiveliscombe. Some councillors criticized the developer’s refusal to include solar panels, citing the end of government feed-in tariffs in 2019 and concerns over visual impact. Still, many see renewable energy integration as essential.
Councillor Gwilym Wren highlighted design challenges with solar panels, while pointing out that a recent appeal allowed a solar farm near Exmoor and the Quantock Hills, despite visual objections. Councillor Dave Mansell called the lack of solar panels “disappointing,” suggesting the developer holds “weird prejudices” against them. Councillor Caroline Ellis emphasized the importance of combining solar panels with air source heat pumps for energy efficiency, calling the omission “ridiculous.”
Despite these debates, the planning committee approved the scheme by 11 votes to one after nearly two hours of discussion. Construction by Lovell Homes is expected to commence in spring 2026, marking a significant phase of growth for the Somerset village despite the environmental and infrastructure challenges.