Local councillors have approved plans for 200 homes and a nature reserve near the A303 in Somerset, despite community opposition.
Ilchester: Local councillors have given the green light for 200 new homes and a nature reserve near the A303. This decision comes after a proposal from the Young family, who have farmed in the area for over a century.
The village has seen a lot of housing growth lately. Recently, Linden Homes completed the Hainbury Meadows development, expanding the village’s boundaries. In May 2023, the Young family shared plans for 200 new homes, a community hub, and a nature reserve.
Somerset Council’s planning committee approved the plans, even with pushback from the parish council and residents. The new homes will be built along the southern edge, with pedestrian links to nearby estates and new access to the B3151 Somerton Road.
The community hub could include a sports facility, convenience store, or health center. It will be located near the Norseland cheese factory and the village primary school. Most of the area will be a nature reserve, with parking for 40 cars and noise-reducing features.
Out of the 200 homes, 70 will be affordable, meeting the council’s target. The development will also contribute funds for early years provision, primary school expansion, and local special needs services.
Additionally, £426,000 will be allocated for improving local youth facilities and sports areas. Two new play areas will also be included in the development. Local resident James Coulter expressed concerns about traffic during peak hours.
He highlighted the heavy traffic in Ilchester, with over 1,000 vehicles during rush hours. Parish council chairman Duncan Galloway noted that most residents opposed more housing, citing safety and parking issues.
Ilchester is in the River Yeo catchment area, so new housing must not increase phosphates in the Somerset Levels and Moors. To offset the new homes, over 25 hectares of agricultural land will be fallowed until 2030.
Councillor John Bailey raised concerns about the local school’s capacity and the lack of GPs. Councillor Tim Kerley argued that building homes is essential due to the council’s housing list and the need for more housing options.
After a brief discussion, the committee approved the plans with a vote of ten to zero, with one abstention. A detailed application for the design and layout of the homes will be available for public consultation later this year.
