Plans for new homes in Somerset village take next step

The plans includes open space, new allotments and parking for a nearby cemetery

A development of almost 60 homes in a Somerset village has taken a step forward, as the project was given outline planning permission.

Councillors at Somerset Council voted unanimously to back the proposals on homes to the north of Wheathill Lane in Milborne Port.

The plans were held up by the ongoing phosphate crisis.

The developer has outlined measures to mitigate and prevent damage to the Levels and Moors.

The outline plans are for up to 58 homes on the eastern edge of Milborne Port, of which 21 will be affordable, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The site is between the cemetery, the recreation ground and another development of 65 homes, commercial space and a community hub being constructed by Redcliffe Homes.

The proposals put forward by Messrs. Parker, Davis and White include new allotments, open space and parking for a nearby cemetery.

Outline planning permission for the 58 homes next to the cemetery in Milborne Port were granted on Tuesday

Under the legal agreements between the council and the developer, more than £127,000 will be provided to the Beeches pre-school group, which forms part of Milborne Port Primary School.

To prevent any net increase in phosphates, the developer will purchase phosphate credits generated from the fallowing of agricultural land at Woodrow Farm, near Yeovil.

Councillor Martin Wale for Chard North spoke in favour of the plans, saying: "I'm very impressed with this".

"A lot of work has been done with the parish council - it's an exemplar application."

Meanwhile, councillor Nicola Clark, whose Blackmoor Vale division includes the site, said: "This community and others in my division form the brunt of disproportionate development over the last three decades, straining resources and altering their place in the settlement hierarchy.

"Despite the proposed improvements, lingering issues around narrow roads and drainage inadequacies persist.

"If this application is approved, there must be rigorous reassessment and proactive measures to alleviate these concerns before construction commences."

After around half an hour's debate, Somerset Council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans.

A reserved matters application, detailing the design and layout of the new homes, is expected to be submitted to the council before the end of the year.