Over the past 12 months, Somerset has approved more than 3,600 new homes across its 20 largest development sites, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing housing shortages. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, viability concerns, and the phosphate crisis, Somerset Council has successfully greenlit numerous substantial housing projects poised to deliver much-needed homes and community amenities.
As the council prepares for public consultation on its new Local Plan, we explore the top 20 biggest housing developments approved since January 1, 2025. This list highlights major schemes but is not exhaustive and excludes preliminary screening requests still awaiting full planning consent.
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A371 Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet
This flagship development, a collaboration between C. G. Fry & Sons and the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, gained outline permission after years of negotiations and phosphate-related delays. The project includes 620 homes, a primary school, a care home, and commercial space, unanimously approved by the Mendip planning committee despite concerns about parking and community facilities.
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Station Fields, A39 Priest Street, Williton
Outline approval for 350 homes along with commercial and leisure facilities was secured in 2021. After legal agreements delayed progress until early 2024, Lovell Homes acquired the site, revised plans were approved, and construction is underway. Plans for extensions to the Steam Coast Trail are also advancing alongside.
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Exeter Road, Rockwell Green
Gladman Developments proposed 315 homes and a convenience store on this site. After a council delay and subsequent appeal, permission was granted following a public inquiry when the council chose not to contest the appeal.
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Nerrols Farm, Lyngford Lane, Taunton
The third phase of this expansive project includes 292 homes. After initial delays linked to phosphate mitigation and local opposition, the council approved the development without necessitating additional road links.
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B3151 Somerton Road, Street
With 280 homes planned near Millfield School, this development was approved following revisions and a transfer of ownership to Curo Enterprise Ltd. It forms a key part of Mendip’s Local Plan for housing growth until 2029.
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A30 Crewkerne Road, Chard
Gladman Developments’ plans for 230 homes include a new section of Chard’s proposed eastern relief road. Despite public concern over traffic and service infrastructure, the plan was unanimously approved.
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Hainbury Farm, Ilchester
This site will deliver 200 homes plus commercial space, a health centre, and a nature reserve. Endorsed despite local opposition, it expands the village’s recent housing growth.
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Jurston Fields, Wellington
Featuring 190 homes, this development’s progress was impacted by phosphate-related legal rulings. A Supreme Court decision allowed construction to proceed without additional mitigation.
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Watercombe Lane, Yeovil
Abbey Manor Developments secured approval for 185 homes adjacent to a business park. This project is expected to unlock further commercial amenities, including a new leisure complex.
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Brookfield Nurseries, Ruishton
Despite early refusal by Somerset Council, Taylor Wimpey’s appeal was successful. The site will offer up to 150 homes with walking and cycling routes linking to nearby facilities.
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Maple Grove, Lang Road, Crewkerne
After initial opposition and appeal, 145 homes were approved on this site once held by Land Value Alliances LLP, ready for construction by 2026.
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B3153 High Street, Keinton Mandeville
Plans for 100 homes, an orchard, and allotments overcame significant public objections and were narrowly approved, with ongoing efforts by local groups to seek judicial review.
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B3139 Elm Close, Wells
This development of 100 homes and a cemetery extension received approval after phosphate mitigation adjustments and a change in ownership to David Wilson Homes.
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Hartnells Farm, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton
The first 90 homes of a planned 320-home estate were approved early in 2025, with construction already underway by Charles Church under the name Castle Grove.
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Dene Road, Cotford St. Luke (The Oaks Estate)
Following permission on appeal, Lovell Homes secured revised consent for 80 homes and a takeaway, with construction expected to accelerate in the coming year.
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Dene Road, Cotford St. Luke (Adjacent Site)
An additional 80 homes plus new allotments are planned north of The Oaks, with broad council support contingent on renewable energy integration.
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Wookey Hole Road, Wells
After refusal and appeal, the Planning Inspectorate approved revised plans for 78 homes emphasizing open space preservation and reduced density.
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Anchor Road, Coleford
A 75-home development was initially refused but approved on appeal, though concerns about local sewer capacity remain among councillors.
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The Crispin Centre, Street
Plans to replace a shopping centre with 56 retirement homes were initially rejected but later approved after a public inquiry, paving the way for demolition and construction starting mid-2026.
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Coalpit Lane, Stoke St. Michael
Revised plans for 45 homes won strong council support in December 2025 after overcoming debates about traffic and design.
These projects represent a dynamic phase in Somerset’s housing landscape, overcoming legal, environmental, and community challenges to deliver much-needed homes and infrastructure.