Dozens of new homes could be built on Minehead’s main road after revised plans were approved by Somerset councillors.

The Townsend family secured outline permission from Somerset West and Taunton Council in September 2021 to build up to 60 homes south of the A39 Hopcott Road, which runs along Minehead’s southern boundary.

The family put forward revised proposals in June 2023, committing to providing up to 21 affordable homes within the site while maintaining the same agreed layout.

Somerset Council (which replaced the district council in April 2023) has now given these revised plans its backing – with further details on the new homes expected to come forward in the new year.

Minehead Town Council has raised objections to the plan, saying it will be difficult for people to get to the town centre without a car.

A spokesman said: “Access to the A39 for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians is a big issue. The site is a long way from any public transport.

“There is a lack of infrastructure and facilities in the town – there is now only one GP surgery in Minehead, and the nearby convenience store has closed.”

Other developments in the town

Stratton Land Ltd. is currently constructing 69 homes on a central site (dubbed Exmoor Gate), with surplus soil from the site being recently transported to the former Wansborough Paper Mill in the neighbouring town of Watchet.

An easternmost site, near the Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, secured permission in 2016 to deliver a further 80 homes; however, this has now lapsed.

There is also a plan to deliver new council homes in the town but that project is facing "severe delays."

Senior planning officer at Somerset Council Anthony Pick stated in his written report: 

“No objections or concerns have been raised with regards to the capacity of the doctor’s surgery or school capacity to cater for the level of residents proposed.

“The principle of development is, therefore, considered acceptable.”

The Townsend family is expected to bring forward more details on the proposed layout in the new year.