Somerset’s smallest city, Wells, is set to receive a significant boost in housing and community amenities following the approval of plans for 100 new homes and an expanded cemetery. The development, located south of Elm Close along the B3139 near the A371 Portway, received the green light from Somerset Council’s planning officers in late 2024.
Originally submitted by Gladman Developments in June 2019, the project was first approved by Mendip District Council in January 2020. After new phosphate mitigation measures were required—prompted by the Dutch N court ruling—the proposals were re-approved by Somerset Council’s planning committee in December 2023. David Wilson Homes has since acquired the site and submitted updated plans, maintaining the total number of homes and the cemetery extension.
The site, allocated for housing in the Mendip Local Plan Part II, is strategically positioned between Elm Close and Burcott Lane, near a key junction leading into Wells city centre. Access will be facilitated by a new junction onto Elm Close, accompanied by a new footpath and cycle lane along the northern edge of the development.
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Connectivity improvements include upgraded public rights of way linking the site to Burcott Lane, public pedestrian crossings on Elm Close, and enhanced links to nearby housing developments such as the New House Farm site. The plan incorporates three pedestrian crossing points to ensure safe and convenient access throughout the community.
Of the 100 planned homes, 40 will be designated as affordable housing, aligning with the council’s target of 30% affordable units for developments over ten homes in the former Mendip area. The development also features a centrally located play area with strong natural surveillance to promote community safety and engagement.
Further environmental safeguards are in place, including the creation of an attenuation pond to address local flood risks. To mitigate phosphate impacts on the sensitive River Sheppey and Somerset Levels catchment, sustainable drainage systems will be installed on site and phosphate credits purchased by fallowing agricultural land nearby in Prestleigh.
David Wilson Homes is no stranger to this region, simultaneously developing two large housing estates in the former Mendip district: Somer Meadows in Midsomer Norton and Francis Fields in Frome.
Planning officer Josh Cawsey emphasized that the development aligns well with the surrounding built environment while enhancing the transition to open countryside. Construction is projected to start by summer 2026, marking a significant milestone in Wells’ growth.
Additionally, Somerset Council will soon consider further proposals for 116 homes just west of this site, submitted by Gleeson Land Ltd., promising continued development momentum in the area.