Hundreds of homes planned near M5

Bickenhall Consulting Ltd has teased its intention to build homes off Isleport Lane, in the eastern part of Highbridge.

The site has been earmarked for up for 270 homes within Sedgemoor District Council’s Local Plan – but Bickenhall believes it can deliver 290 dwellings there.

The council’s officers will decide in the coming weeks whether such a number of homes would be appropriate – after which more detailed plans could be put forward.

A planning application has not yet been made.

Nick Jenkins, from Smith Jenkins Town Planning, said on Bickenhall’s behalf the plans would deliver ‘a new high-quality neighbourhood for Highbridge’.

He said: “Community uses and a shop are proposed to be integrated into the development, which will be a new high-quality neighbourhood for Highbridge.

“The residential environment will be supplemented with green areas for play and amenity, which will also assist the development in achieving a net gain in biodiversity over the presently low-value farmland.”

The masterplan put forward indicates a doctors’ surgery could be included.

The council’s local plan identifies the land east of Isleport Lane as suitable for ‘up to 270’ homes, with a new junction being provided onto the main road.

A spokesman said: “The site adjoins the M5 and therefore appropriate noise mitigation measures will be required.

“There is also a need to provide appropriate green infrastructure within the site and to preserve the existing semi-rural tranquillity of sections of Isleport Lane, particularly in the vicinity of existing properties.

“The development will be expected to integrate with existing developments and the wider area through provision of public footpaths and cycleways.”

Natural England has raised concerns the development could impact on the Bridgwater Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest – though it does not believe building on Isleport Lane would be a ‘significant’ risk.

The council will make a decision on the scoping request in the coming weeks.