180 more homes for local people in Somerset

Persimmon Homes Wessex has secured outline planning permission for 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Wessex region is now expected to submit a reserved matters application to Somerset Council in due course, setting out more detailed proposals for the scheme.

The outline plans for the scheme include zero-carbon ready homes with air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and solar panels.

In line with local planning policy, 54 of the new homes will be transferred to a local housing association partner, providing a significant contribution to the locality’s need to address the 12,000 households on Somerset Council’s housing waiting list.

The scheme would provide a net gain in biodiversity, supported by enhancing existing features and planting vegetation, substantial tree planting, a community orchard, and other ecology features such as bird and bat boxes.

Delivery of large on-site green public open spaces, a children’s play area, and walking routes – including the formal ‘Central Square’ and natural ‘Southern Spur’ – are also part of the plans.

Persimmon Homes Wessex region had its outline application rejected by a Somerset Council planning committee last year, but this has now been overturned by the Planning Inspectorate. Officers at the local authority had recommended the scheme for approval. The site in Somerset borders Midsomer Norton from the south, though the town itself is in Bath & North-East Somerset council area.

Commenting on the development, Persimmon Homes Wessex’s deputy managing director, Seb Spiller, said:

“We are delighted to announce that we've received outline planning permission to provide high-quality, new housing solutions for local people in the Midsomer Norton area.

“With Somerset facing a severe housing crisis, this project is an exciting opportunity to mitigate this challenge by building these essential homes for local people.

“This is complimented by a substantial number of these homes being transferred to a local housing association partner, helping tackle the county's substantial housing waiting list, subject to the approval of our reserved matters application.

“Continuing our demonstrable commitment to leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build, we will also be contributing financially to local services and facilities including healthcare, special educational needs and local parks and open spaces.

“Persimmon looks forward to continuing our work with stakeholders at Somerset Council as we seek to deliver quality new homes, jobs, and infrastructure for local communities.”