Concern over 'backwards' plans for new homes

Plans for a major new housing development close to a busy stretch of motorway have been branded "backwards" by residents.

There are proposals for up to 750 homes and a primary school to be built at the site between Bower Lane and the M5 in Bridgwater, Somerset, by 2032.

But people living in the town say the proposals aren't "viable" and are concerned the development will lead to traffic congestion and increase pressure on local health services.

Developer, Edward Ware Homes, said it had been asked to contribute millions of pounds towards infrastructure around the site and that the "much-needed" homes would help tackle the county-wide "housing shortfall".

At a meeting of Bridgwater Without Parish Council on 24 April, a resident said: "Why are houses being put in before the infrastructure? It all seems backwards to me – how can it be allowed to happen?"

A spokesperson for Edward Ware Homes said its traffic proposals for the site had been "carefully considered and discussed with National Highways and Somerset Highways."

They added that the company was "committed to delivering a travel plan" to encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking.

Under local guidance, any new development of ten homes or more must provide 30% affordable housing but a recent viability assessment found it may not be "economically viable" to do that on this site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Edward Ware Homes said: "It may be that some affordable housing can be included in our scheme.

"The council will be the judge of that, and could reduce some of the other contributions we are being asked to make, and divert that money into affordable housing."

Bridgwater Town Council has voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the proposals, with Somerset Council expected to make a final decision in the autumn.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.