Proposals unveiled for 250 homes in Rockwell Green

Wellington is currently separated from the neighbouring village of Rockwell Green through a series of green fields and public open spaces, running from Tonedale Mill to the A38.

Around 64 acres (26 hectares) of land between Fox’s Field (near the mill complex) and Exeter Road was signed over to Wellington Town Council in January 2023 on a 150-year lease, allowing local councillors to protect and enhance the Basins for future generations.

The Coles family announced proposals in May to create the Trinity Farm Nature Reserve between the existing homes on Farthing Pitts and Hilly Head, not far from the town’s cemetery.

Now Persimmon Homes South West has put forward plans for 250 new homes immediately next to this planned reserve – with a promise that significant green space will be provided to complete the green wedge to the A38.

The plans were unveiled at a well-attended public drop-in event held at The Well Christian Centre on Rockwell Green Road on Thursday afternoon (June 27).

Members of the public attend the drop-in session. (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Under the initial proposals, up to 250 new properties will be delivered on land either side of Popes Lane, with a new access being created onto the A38 Nowers Lane.

The new homes will be concentrated within the western half of the development site, near the existing properties on Barrington Way and the Ryelands Business Park.

In addition to the new homes, a community orchard and children’s play area will be delivered, with pedestrian and cycling routes throughout the site to provide safe access to the centre of the village and local schools.

The eastern edge of the development will be set aside entirely for green space, with viewpoints providing views towards the village’s restored water towers to the north and towards Wellington Monument and the Blackdown Hills to the south.

Local environmental group Transition Town Wellington said that delivering extensive green space within the development site was crucial to prevent Rockwell Green from merging with Wellington.

A spokesman said: “The open space is absolutely vital to complete the green corridor from Fox’s Field in the north of Wellington, Wellington Town Council’s green corridor and the local nature reserve land south of Exeter Road, to meet the A38.

“Alongside making sure this land is for the benefit of wildlife, we must make sure their houses have environmentally sustainable features above standard, including renewable energy, bat bricks, swift boxes, cycle friendly roads etc. built into the design.”

Those who were unable to attend the consultation event will be able to give their initial feedback via www.persimmon-popes-lane.co.uk in the coming days.

A formal planning application for the development is expected to be submitted to Somerset Council later in the year.

The council is expected to make a decision before Christmas on separate plans for 315 homes and a convenience store on Exeter Road, which were put forward by Gladman Developments.