Revised plans have been submitted for a development of 47 new homes on the western edge of Wells, following changes in local planning policy that opened the door for approval.
In August 2023, Wells LVA LLP and Little Burcott Ltd. sought outline permission to build 47 homes along the B3139 Elm Close, near the Gipsy Lane junction. Initially, Somerset Council’s planning committee east narrowly rejected the proposal in December 2024. However, after updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the committee reversed its decision in January 2025.
Now, Acorn Property Group has put forward detailed plans for the 47 homes, with Somerset Council anticipated to make a final decision by year-end.
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The design includes a comprehensive remodel of the Elm Close and Gipsy Lane junction, creating a new T-junction and adding a dedicated cycle lane along the southern side of Elm Close. This improvement will connect with an adjacent development of 100 homes by David Wilson Homes.
Gipsy Lane will maintain access through a new junction within the proposed estate, while the existing public right of way will be upgraded to establish a safe pedestrian route to Burcott Lane.
Housing will radiate from the new access road, with the southern boundary featuring public open spaces, a children’s play area, an attenuation pond, and a green buffer to separate Wells from the neighboring village of Wookey.
The development offers a mix of one-bedroom flats through to four-bedroom houses, supported by a total of 122 parking spaces. Of the 47 homes, 19 (approximately 40%) are designated affordable housing.
An outline legal agreement, finalized in November 2025, includes a contribution of over £11,000 towards active travel initiatives. These funds will help enhance and extend the Strawberry Line route that runs through Wells.
A spokesperson for Angus Meek Architects, representing the developer, commented: “Our design respects the site’s physical and aesthetic context, creating a distinctive and connected edge to Wells. By offering various home sizes and tenures, the development aims to foster a balanced community that meets regional housing needs. Sustainability is prioritized through proximity to services, workplaces, and transport, alongside improved cycle and pedestrian links.”
The western side of Wells has seen significant residential growth in recent years, including the 119-home Priory Fields estate south of Wookey Hole Road and the 220-home Rose Banks development on the A371 Portway. Nearby, David Wilson Homes’ ‘The Elms’ on Elm Close is underway, and Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd. received outline approval in August 2024 for 50 homes near Wells Touring Park.
Further permissions were granted in September 2025 to Gladman Developments for 78 homes on Wookey Hole Road, with the site currently on the market. Additionally, two larger projects remain under consideration: Gleeson’s proposal for 116 homes on Elm Close and Stonewater’s plan for 106 homes on the Charter Way rugby pitch, contingent on relocating Wells Rugby Club to new Portway facilities.
Somerset Council’s planning committee east is expected to publicly determine the Acorn proposals ahead of Christmas, reflecting the project’s importance and scale.