New homes to be built on busy main road in town centre

Henry W. Pollard & Sons Ltd. was founded in 1860, but ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation in July 2021

Almost 40 new homes could soon be built on "one of the busiest" main roads in Bridgwater town centre.

An initial proposal was put forward by a Taunton developer to build 50 houses on the former Henry W. Pollard & Sons Ltd. site on the A38 Monmouth Street.

In March 2023, this request was approved but has since been revised by Pollards Yard Ltd - reducing the number of dwellings to 39.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by summer.

A small children’s play area will also be built near the centre of the proposed development

A total of 33 properties will be created within the footprint, with a further six homes being built by converting existing, viable buildings within the site.

Lighthouse Development Consulting intends to demolish the buildings surrounding the former builders' yard, with its planned properties wrapping around existing homes on Monmouth Street.

However, due to the cost of redeveloping, demolishing, and removing any contaminated soil from the brownfield site, only one of the new homes will be classed as "affordable housing."

A spokesman for Lighthouse Development Consulting said: “The proposals represent a very high quality development which will enhance the character of the local area and reinforce locally distinctive characteristics."

'Domination concerns'

The plans have drawn a mixed reaction from Bridgwater residents, with locals being divided over the design and quantity of the new homes.

Monmouth Street resident, Mr R. Cavanagh, said: “The houses look very nice from what I have seen and the addition of a play area is welcome for the children. I wish them the best of luck with this development.”

Another local resident, Mrs P. Prowse who lives on Polden Street, disagrees.

She feels that the development will significantly reduce the "existing enjoyment" of her property, and that it will raise "overlooking, overshadowing and domination concerns, alongside noise and light disturbance.”