100 new homes near M5 in Somerset move closer as developer buys site

The delivery of 100 new homes near the M5 in Somerset has moved a step closer after the site was purchased by a major housing developer. Gladman Developments secured outline planning permission on appeal in February to build up to 100 new homes on North End at the northern end of Creech St Michael, near Taunton.

The site - which lies a short distance from the M5 - has now been sold to Bellway Homes South West, which is currently constructing 53 homes on the Lavender Rise estate on Houlgate Way in Axbridge. The developer is expected to submit revised plans for the development site in early-2025, with Somerset Council making a ruling on these proposals by the summer.

The site lies at the northern edge of Creech St. Michael, a few hundred yards from the motorway and less than half a mile from what will form the eastern edge of Monkton Heathfield under the current phase two proposals (which have yet to be approved by councillors). The site was not allocated for development within the Taunton Deane Local Plan, which was automatically adopted by subsequent councils in 2019 and 2023.

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As part of the appeal ruling (which followed a public inquiry in early-January), the developer will have to provide more around £1.7m of funding for local schools (including special needs funding), along with a further £1.8m through the community infrastructure levy (CIL), which can be used to fund major infrastructure across Somerset. Sam Sowden, land director for Bellway South West, said: "We are working to prepare a thoughtful and considered detailed planning application for this land, that we believe will result in an attractive, sustainable, and welcoming neighbourhood.

"We want to create a scheme that forms a logical extension to the existing village of Creech St Michael." Of the 100 homes planned for the site, 25 would be affordable housing - meeting the council's target of 25 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more within the former Taunton Deane area.

The approved outline plans include upgrades to the footpath and cycleway network to the south of the site, as well as the creation of public open space, allotments and an equipped play area. Mr Sowden added: "With public open spaces for people to enjoy, allotments, a good network of footpaths and significant provision of much-needed affordable housing, our proposal is for a development of high-quality homes in an area that people will enjoy living in.

"The location is excellent as the village provides a range of local amenities within walking distance including a school, pub and shops – all of which make this a sustainable and comfortable location for new residents." Creech St. Michael has seen significant interest from housing developers in recent years, with West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. currently constructing 28 homes on the Coronation Way site on Derham Close and a further seven homes being approved on Dillons Close in December 2023.