Somerset Council has unveiled an ambitious masterplan to regenerate Yeovil town centre, proposing up to 300 new homes on four key brownfield sites. However, this development could come at a significant cost, with around 600 existing car parking spaces potentially lost to make way for new housing.
The masterplan, funded by Homes England, is designed to revitalize Yeovil’s economy, enhance public services, and address the town’s shortage of affordable housing. It targets underutilized council-owned spaces in the heart of Yeovil to attract private investment and improve the town centre’s overall experience, which has suffered from lack of investment in recent years.
The four focus sites include:
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Court Ash and North Lane car parks, where 50-60 flats in two four-storey blocks are planned. These will replace much of the current parking but each flat will have an allocated parking space. The design will respect views of nearby heritage buildings.
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Glovers Walk, where demolition is nearly complete and a temporary green space is in place. A six-storey mixed-use development is planned, housing commercial units, local service hubs including an NHS facility, community spaces, and up to 108 flats targeted at NHS key workers and young professionals. The existing bus station will be replaced with a new ‘mobility hub,’ potentially topped by a hotel to enhance the town’s cultural offerings.
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The former Wilko store on Middle Street, acquired by the council in 2017, will be transformed into two blocks featuring local amenities such as a family centre, nursery, and café, alongside up to 60 homes comprising flats, maisonettes, and townhouses.
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The Stars Lane car park and Box Factory site, grouped with a small South Street car park, are slated to deliver 80-90 homes. However, this means losing the entire South Street car park and other parking spaces in the area.
One notable omission from the plan is the former cattle market site, excluded to focus on other priority locations. Although previously considered part of regeneration efforts, it was dropped due to funding timetable constraints and concerns about contamination. Council officers hope investment in adjacent sites will pave the way for private-led development there.
Council officials acknowledge the significant reduction of parking spaces—up to 600 fewer—may concern residents, but stress that current data shows many car parks are underutilized outside peak times. Further studies will ensure the town retains adequate parking to support local businesses and visitors.
Community reaction to the plan has been mixed, with many locals expressing worries about limited parking availability harming the town’s accessibility and appeal. Comments collected during live discussions highlight fears that removing central parking will discourage shoppers and residents, pushing them to other towns.
Public consultation is expected to launch at the upcoming Yeovil Super Saturday event on September 20, allowing residents to share their views before the final plan is considered later this year.
Councillors remain optimistic, emphasizing the need for the masterplan to adapt Yeovil to modern challenges while creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods.