Glebe Farm housing proposals at Maidenbrook Country Park

GF Enterprises has applied for planning permission for the phased development in Maidenbrook Country Park.

The outline proposals lodged with Somerset West and Taunton Council include other potential facilities such as a natural world centre, restaurant, farm shop, observatory and open air theatre.

There could also be a community orchard and an informal and temporary cider hut, which would act as a "focal point and opportunity for the local community to meet and share".

There would be a central green to provide amenity and recreational space.

And there is a full planning application for 16 home on land at Glebe Farm, Cheddon Fitzpaine.

The application says: "The objectives for the development are set to achieve a new national benchmark for rural developments - one that addresses the growing housing crisis, while delivering a different solution that is rural at its core.

"Houses set in generous plots, within a wider landscape scheme; architecture that balances a traditional and local aesthetic with contemporary construction methods and striking interiors, meeting the needs of

modern living and giving a true sense of space and light.

"The placement of each house within the masterplan is carefully considered, creating privacy, reflecting sun paths, and providing generous gardens with ample space for recreation, structured around layouts that promote landscape, each house benefits from views into the development as well as out to the countryside beyond.

"A strong ambition to bring the countryside to each doorstep has heavily shaped the development, through the housing and garden design, the wider masterplan, the wildflower meadows beyond, new paths to be public rights of way and the connections and development of the country park to the south."

The homes would consist of two-bedroom cottages; three bedroom two- and single-storey houses; and four- and five-bedroom houses.

The application adds: "Glebe Farm is taking a new approach to housing development...showcasing how a different approach, one which focuses on the whole masterplan and its rural setting and where funding and attention are given to all aspects, including the often ignored or neglected parts of a scheme; affordable units, accessible units, placemaking, community gardens, shows how a hugely celebrated and successful development can be achieved."