Housing estate with more than 600 homes approved

More than 600 homes are due to be built in Shepton Mallet

A new housing estate consisting of more than 600 new homes has been unanimously approved by councillors.

C. G. Fry and Sons, in conjunction with the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, applied in July 2018 for outline permission to build up to 620 new homes on land south of the A371 in Shepton Mallet.

The plans, which also include a primary school, a care home and commercial space, were approved by Somerset Council's planning committee east on Monday.

However, some councillors voiced concern about parking provision and flood prevention.

The homes are planned to be built on land south of the A371 in Shepton Mallet

Councillor Helen Kay said she remained concerned about the design of the development, especially when it came to car parking and flood prevention.

She said: "I do not see any mention of water butts in here – they will reduce surface water run-off when we get serious rain going forward."

The site is designed to deliver the bulk of Shepton Mallet's new housing over a 10-year period and of the 620 new homes, 30% will be affordable.

Additional contributions of nearly £258,000 will be made to special needs schooling elsewhere in the Shepton area and £276,000 will go to the Grove House Surgery and the Park Medical Practice.

New walking and cycling links will be provided throughout the site, with a new pedestrian crossing over the A371 and around £25,000 being provided for improvements to the Strawberry Line or other local active travel projects.

Councillor Barry Clarke said during the meeting on Monday: "This has been squeezed to the extreme. 500 homes would be enough."

Councillor Claire Sully, however, added that Shepton Mallet had "incredible potential".

"I can see the community here is eager to drive its own destiny, and we are here to support and empower them," Ms Sully said.

A reserved matters application, specifying the design and layout of the new homes, is expected to be submitted early in the new year.

If this in turn is approved, construction of the first homes could begin in 2027.