MORE than 300 new homes are proposed for development on the outskirts of Midsomer Norton.

Midsomer Norton is currently experiencing significant housing growth at its southern edge, with construction underway on two key sites: the Somer Meadows site on A367 Green Park Road, which will comprise 270 homes near the White Post Inn, and Cherry Blossom View on Beauchamps Drive, which will consist of 75 homes.

In addition to these two sites, the Planning Inspectorate will shortly rule on the fate of Curo’s proposals for 54 homes on the Underhill Farm site on Orchard Vale, on the western edge of the town.

Barratt David Wilson Homes has now teased proposals to further expand the town, delivering 330 new homes on land to the north of Tunnel Lane.

Tunnel Lane is a narrow country lane which connects Midsomer Norton to the neighbouring village of Chilcompton, which saw off a significant development of 95 homes at the hands of Gladman Developments in February 2022, following a public inquiry.

This latest development would see the built-up edge of Midsomer Norton extend into the parish of Chilcompton, with homes being built to the north of the existing properties.

Barratt David Wilson Homes has provided few details as part of an initial application to Somerset Council, known as a screening request.

The developer has confirmed that the site would accommodate “up to 330 dwellings,” along with “commercial and community facilities” such as retail units or a village hall, a “mobility hub,” public open space, and improved walking and cycling links into the town.

Somerset Council has approved this screening request, ruling that an environmental impact assessment will not be required for the site – which may reduce the amount of time before a formal planning proposal comes forward.

One local resident, identified only as Rachel T, objected to any form of development here and said: “Access to the site is on an already busy B-road with no facilities for large construction traffic.

“The construction will destroy what is already a bio-diverse area with deer, birds of prey, barn owls bats, badgers and stoats to name but a few.

“There are currently not enough doctors, dentists and other essential services in the area currently, including school places.

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes said: “Our plans for the site at Tunnel Lane offer an opportunity to build approximately 300 new homes on a sustainable site to meet the local area’s needs. In the midst of the current housing crisis, we are proposing 90 homes for those who cannot afford to buy or rent housing on the open market, this will make a genuine difference to local people trying to get on the housing ladder.

“Our proposals will also deliver a new safe crossing point over Silver Street to the now consented development, linking up with a new segregated pedestrian and cycleway, making it much safer and easier to get into town without a car.We will shortly be submitting our planning application and look forward to working with stakeholders more in the coming months.”