A DEVELOPER who called for more ‘joined-up thinking’ on future housing in Wellington has now submitted a planning application for up to 75 new homes along the town’s relief road.

Chris Winter, of West of England Developments (WoED), wants to develop eight acres of agricultural land at Little Jurston Farm, close to the Westpark business park.

Planning agent Rebecca Randall, of Polden Planning, said although the land was a quarter-of-a-mile outside the town’s defined settlement boundary, it had been marked as suitable for development in Wellington’s adopted ‘place plan’.

Ms Randall said: “The site is identified as a mixed-use development opportunity site, recognising its sustainable location adjacent to a variety of existing land uses and its proximity to Wellington and the M5 corridor.”

She said only outline permission was being sought for the moment, meaning the details of layout, scale, landscaping, and appearance would be decided in future planning applications.

Little Jurston Farm, Chelston, which adjoins eight acres of land on which up to 75 homes could be built. PHOTO: AC archaeology Ltd.
Little Jurston Farm, Chelston, which adjoins eight acres of land on which up to 75 homes could be built. PHOTO: AC archaeology Ltd. ( )

Ms Randall said: “Up to 75 dwellings could reasonably be achieved on site.

“No house types or bedroom numbers are set at this stage.

“The field access at the north east corner of the site would become a pedestrian and cycle link with a route along West Buckland Road separate to vehicle traffic linking up to the existing walking/cycling infrastructure at Westpark business park.

“The development would include landscaping to break up views into, out of, and between housing parcels and to retain a green edge travelling out of Wellington.

“While it is on a key route into and out of Wellington, it is also surrounded by development on three sides.

“Development in this location would make a logical and positive contribution to the existing mix of built-up uses within this part of Wellington.”

A view of land beside Wellington Relief Road where up to 75 new homes are proposed. PHOTO: Swan Paul Partnership Ltd.
A view of land beside Wellington Relief Road where up to 75 new homes are proposed. PHOTO: Swan Paul Partnership Ltd. ( )

Ms Randall accepted a financial contribution was likely to be required toward a new primary school which was planned for the Jurston Fields development currently being built by CG Fry further along the relief road.

She said online public consultation was held during March and April of this year with the website seeing 284 unique users, while 19 feedback forms were completed.

Ms Randall said: “This is a low response rate given the population of Wellington and is attributed to the site’s edge of centre location, which is not immediately adjacent any existing houses.

“The three most important priorities for new housing that were identified included addressing transport and highway impacts, environmental protection and enhancement, and affordable housing provision.”

Ms Randall said it was expected WoED would be required to enter into a legal agreement known as ‘section 106’ to ensure at least 25 per cent of the homes were ‘affordable’ and to provide public open space and recreational facilities.

She said: “In the context of a development plan nearing the end of the period, the objectives of the place plan and a significant shortfall in housing land supply, the development would make a significant and positive contribution to both open market and affordable housing delivery.”

Somerset Council is asking for public comments to be submitted by June 6.