NEARLY 1,300 new homes could be approved by Somerset West and Taunton Council in the coming months.

The eight developments in the pipeline include Sandys Moor in Wiveliscombe, Jurston Farm in Wellington and Cleeve Hill, Watchet.

The coronavirus outbreak has made it difficult for planning decisions to be taken in public through committees – which in turn has made its harder for residents to make their voices heard.

Following recent guidance from central government, planning committees will still be able to meet virtually – either to make decisions themselves or to make a recommendation to the chief executive, who will formally make the decision.

With the Government determined that as many functions of local government carry on as normal during the crisis, there are numerous applications for large or decent-sized developments across the district which could be approved before the meeting restrictions are lifted.

The three local ones which could be approved while the current emergency measures are in place are:

Sandys Moor in Wiveliscombe – 94 homes: outline permission for 94 homes and light industrial units was granted by the council to Summerfield Developments in December 2019. The revised plans for the homes have been brought forward by a new developer, Barratt Homes, with access being onto Sandys Moor rather than the main B3227.

The employment units – including one of Somerset County Council’s rural enterprise centres – will be brought forward separately.

Jurston Farm (phase three) – 190 homes: outline permission was given to C G Fry in November 2015 to build 650 homes and a new primary school at this site in Wellington.

Revised plans for the third phase, comprising 190 homes at the north-western edge of the site, were submitted in late-2019. The development will ultimately be built in seven phases – but with the new school welcoming pupils from September 2020, it may not be long before this next block of homes is approved.

Cleeve Hill in Watchet – 136 homes: plans for these homes at Watchet’s western edge were discussed by the council’s planning committee on January 30. The proposals, which involve re-aligning the existing coast road, were deferred for more information after locals raised concerns the development could accelerate coastal erosion.

The council has not indicated how soon the plans will come back for a final decision.

DANIEL MUMBY

Local democracy reporter