Nearly 50 homes could soon be constructed near a small Somerset primary school if new plans are approved.
Notaro New Homes Ltd. has published proposals to build 49 new houses to the east of the Berrow Gardens housing development on Cavalla Mews, just around the corner from Berrow Church of England Primary School.
The Bridgwater-based developer has promised that 20 out of the 49 new homes proposed for this agricultural site will be affordable if approval is granted.
Somerset Council is expected to make a decision the proposals early in the new year.
The new homes will be concentrated towards the northern end of the site, with two access points being provided – one onto Cavanna Mews, the other onto Campoline Drive.
Nearly 40 per cent of the new homes will be sold below market price – exceeding the target within the Sedgemoor Local Plan of 30 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more.
A spokesman for Williams Planning Ltd. (representing the developer) said: “The application site is well related to local services and facilities and is accessible on foot, bicycle and regularly bus services. Its location is outside any landscape, biodiversity or heritage designations and relates well to the built-up area of Berrow.
“As indicated by the previous grant of planning permission for 25 dwellings immediately to the west, the site can be delivered without significant adverse impacts upon the area.
“The proposed development of 49 dwellings can be delivered in a timely manner and without giving rise to any significant adverse impacts that would outweigh the significant weight attributed towards delivering affordable housing in an area of identified need.
“The development site is within a sustainable location and will allow residents to access services and facilities in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance upon the private motor vehicle.”
Numerous Berrow residents have already criticised the proposals, claiming the homes will put further pressure on the village’s already limited infrastructure.
Mr M. Smith, who lives on Parsonage Road, said: “I have concerns about more vehicles moving out onto Barton Road, especially near to the school crossing and the bends along this section of the road, which already reduce visibility for cars trying to turn out of the side roads along this stretch.
“This is more creeping encroachment into green fields – how long before the next application when be raised to extend this new development onto the back of Brent Road?
“The village already has poor facilities and terrible doctors’ and dentists’ availability without more houses adding to this.”
Mr S. Fraser, who lives on Ash Tree Road, concurred: “The local area doesn’t have the infrastructure to be a big town; therefore, making it a big town should not be attempted.
“There is plenty of housing being built in Weston-super-Mare, which can accommodate the needs.”
Gavin Wilsher, who lives on Brent Street in the neighbouring village of Brent Knoll, added: “Planning permission should be denied on the basis that this is an inappropriate use of agricultural land, over-subscribed local health provision and a development that is not in keeping with the rural environment.”
The council is expected to make a decision on the new plans in early-2024; however, it is not currently clear whether the decision will be taken publicly by its planning committee north (which debates major developments in the former Sedgemoor area) or through the delegated powers of its planning officers.
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