The delivery of 100 new homes near the M5 in Somerset has moved a step closer after the site was purchased by a major housing developer.

Gladman Developments secured outline planning permission on appeal in February to build up to 100 new homes on North End at the northern end of Creech St Michael, near Taunton.

The site – which lies a short distance from the M5 – has now been sold to Bellway Homes South West, which is currently constructing 53 homes on the Lavender Rise estate on Houlgate Way in Axbridge.

The developer is expected to submit revised plans for the development site in early-2025 with Somerset Council making a ruling on these proposals by the summer.

Creech St. Michael details

The site lies at the northern edge of Creech St. Michael, a few hundred yards from the motorway and less than half a mile from what will form the eastern edge of Monkton Heathfield under the current phase two proposals.

As part of the appeal ruling which followed a public inquiry in early January, the developer will have to provide around £1.7m of funding for local schools (including special needs funding), along with a further £1.8m through the community infrastructure levy (CIL) which can be used to fund major infrastructure across Somerset.

“We want to create a scheme that forms a logical extension to the existing village of Creech St Michael,” said Sam Sowden, land director for Bellway South West

Of the 100 homes planned for the site, 25 would be affordable housing.

The approved outline plans include upgrades to the footpath and cycleway network to the south of the site, as well as the creation of public open space, allotments, and an equipped play area.

“The location is excellent as the village provides a range of local amenities within walking distance including a school, pub and shops – all of which make this a sustainable and comfortable location for new residents,” Sowden added.

Creech St. Michael has seen significant interest from housing developers in recent years with West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. currently constructing 28 homes on the Coronation Way site on Derham Close and a further seven homes being approved on Dillons Close in December 2023.