Future of Watchet Paper Mill Site Remains Uncertain a Decade After Closure Saturday, January 3, 2026 watchet papermill brownfield housing redevelopment community somerset industry planning development The former Wansborough paper mill site in Watchet, Somerset, stands at a crossroads a full ten years after its closure. Once a historic hub of industry since 1652, the mill was the UK’s largest producer of coreboard—a rigid … Read More
Permission to Expand Minehead Arcade Granted in Error Friday, January 2, 2026 minehead somerset planning arcade councillors transparency legal development council application Somerset Council recently found itself in an awkward position after inadvertently granting planning permission to expand Minehead’s seafront arcade, The Arkade. Located on Warren Road near the town’s heritage railway station, … Read More
Government ‘Forced Our Hand’ to Build on Greenbelt, Says North Somerset Council Friday, January 2, 2026 greenbelt housing development northsomerset government planning sustainability affordable housingtarget transport North Somerset Council has revealed that the government’s increased housing targets have compelled them to allocate land within the Bristol green belt for new housing developments. The council’s draft local plan proposes … Read More
Council Says Government 'Forced Our Hand' to Build on Greenbelt Land Friday, January 2, 2026 greenbelt housing northsomerset development planning sustainability government affordablehousing transportation environment sport North Somerset Council has expressed frustration, stating that the government has effectively “forced our hand” by mandating increased housing targets that compel development on protected greenbelt land. The council’s latest … Read More
Characterful Village Between Taunton and Wellington Gains Control Over Future Housing with New Neighbourhood Plan Thursday, January 1, 2026 oake neighbourhoodplan somerset housing development planning taunton wellington village greenspaces The picturesque village of Oake, situated between Taunton and Wellington in Somerset, has secured greater influence over future housing development through the approval of its Neighbourhood Plan. Nestled between the A38 and … Read More
Characterful Village Between Taunton and Wellington Approves New Housing Plan Thursday, January 1, 2026 oake neighbourhoodplan housing somerset development community planning greenspaces localgovernance taunton The village of Oake, nestled between Taunton and Wellington, is set to have a stronger voice in local housing decisions following the approval of its Neighbourhood Plan. Located in the former Taunton Deane area, Oake sits … Read More