MP Sarah Dyke calls on government to deliver homes 'in right places'

Land Value Alliances and Origin3 conducted an online consultation in October 2023 over proposals for the ‘West Wincanton’ development, which would deliver 650 new homes between the town’s western edge and the A371 Lawrence Hill, leading to Castle Cary.

Hook Valley LVA LLP, which is based in Sherborne, formally submitted outline plans for this major development in mid-July, which will also include a primary school, a care home and commercial space.

Local resident Margaret Grant wrote to Sarah Dyke, the newly-elected MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, calling for an intervention to prevent the “short-sighted” proposals from going ahead and damaging the town.

Ms Dyke said that she was in favour of “community-led development” across Somerset and would press the government to ensure Somerset Council still had the power to refuse inappropriate new housing sites.

On top of 650 new homes (of which 224 will be affordable), the Hook Valley plans promise to deliver the following:

• A new primary school, not far from King Arthur’s Community School
• A local centre and commercial space near the A303
• A residential care homes
• Improved walking and cycling links to the town centre
• Large amounts of public open space

Ms Grant wrote to Ms Dyke shortly after the  proposals were made public, stating that she welcomed the need for additional public services in the town but questioned the need for so many houses.

She said: “I appreciate that we need housing, new schools and residential care for our ageing community.

“However, a great deal of developments are short-sighted, in that they take no account for the local environment or community in which they are placed.

“In fact this application is tantamount to the creation of a new village or town, independent of the existing town of Wincanton.

“Often the social housing is abandoned, as the developer pleads poverty.”

The masterplan for the West Wincanton development of 650 homes in Wincanton. (Image: Origin3)

Ms Grant questioned whether the new development would deliver any significant economic improvements for the town once construction had been completed.

She said: “Employment is the lifeblood of any town.  The proposed houses at Hook Valley Farm will provide jobs for the developers who have their own work force, and once the development has been completed the workers will disappear and the local economy will suffer.

“Investment is required in respect of the infrastructure,  to once again attract people with money who will spend it locally.”

Ms Grant added that existing brownfield sites in the town should be redeveloped first before any further farmland was developed.

She said: “The old factory site could be developed into luxury flats valued in excess of £1m, with luxury facilities.

“The old health centre and Cale House could be converted into flats.

“The land to the rear of Cale House could be developed together with land on Common Road.

“Such residents would be within walking distance of the High Street, whereas the residents of West Wincanton will need to drive in order to utilise local amenities.

“The West Wincanton site would be ideal for a 18-hole golf course with a pitch and putt area and driving ranges.

“This would provide long-term employment and would also be of benefit to Holbrook Manor and The Newt.”

Traditionally, elected MPs do not make comments on active planning applications – though they can request that any decisions can be called in by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

In addition to serving as an MP, Ms Dyke sits on Somerset Council as one of two councillors for the Blackmoor Vale division, which lies close to Wincanton.

Ms Dyke – who lives near Wincanton – said: “It is not appropriate for me, as an MP, to comment on an individual planning application.

“On the wider issue of housing in Glastonbury and Somerton, however, I want community-led development that builds affordable homes, in the right places and to the best possible environmental standards, and supported by infrastructure, services and amenities such and schools, GP surgeries and transport.

“We Liberal Democrats believe that local authorities should have greater powers to build their own homes and hold developers to account.

“Local authorities are best placed to know what developments are needed in their area, not central government. As a democrat, I will continue to fight for the voice of communities in the planning process.

“Let’s see what the government brings forward, but I can assure constituents that, along with my Lib Dem colleagues, I will scrutinise the government’s proposals carefully.”