Cannington: 160 new homes planned near Hinkley Point C

Strongvox Homes is currently constructing the Cricketer Farm development on the A39 in Nether Stowey, with planning permission being in place for 109 homes and permission being sought for a further 58 to the north.

The Taunton-based developer has now published plans to deliver 160 new homes in the neighbouring village of Cannington, near Bridgwater, located on the bypass linking the village to the Hinkley Point C construction site.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans later in the year.

The proposed development lies on the eastern side of the Cannington bypass, being bordered by Sandy Lane to the north, Chad’s Hill to the east and Withiel Drive to the south.

Access will be from an existing spur off the bypass, with the development linking up to the cycle lines which run along the road towards the A39 and the existing public right of way to Chad’s Hill being maintained.

An emergency vehicle access (controlled by bollards) will be created off Withiel Drive, which will be resurfaced and remodelled to make it easier for cyclists to travel from the new homes to the shops and other facilities on High Street.

Of the 160 new homes planned for the site (which will range from two to four bedrooms in size), 48 will be affordable, meeting the council’s target of 30 per cent affordable homes for any new development of ten homes or more.

A spokesman for Focus On Design (representing the applicant) said: “A large area of public open space within the central western parts of the site will link to the western landscape ‘buffer’ and landscaped corridor along the public footpath.

“This open space would maintain views towards St Mary’s Church tower as well as maintaining existing views to the south west and south from the footpath.

“The open space would also increase the separation distance from the bypass (a.k.a. Brymore Way) to the proposed development within the central parts
of the site.

“The open space would include seating and areas of play space.”

The entrance to the proposed development site. (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Cannington has seen growing interest from housing developers since construction began at the Hinkley Point C site, with thousands of new workers seeking accommodation in and around Bridgwater.

Crest Nicholson South West recently delivered the Grange Meadow development, comprising 73 homes at the southern entrance to the village, with a new Co-operative food store being approved on the opposite side of Main Road.

Gladman Developments previously attempted to secure permission for 165 homes off Oak Tree Way, wrapping around the park and ride facility – however, these plans were thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate in early-2022.

The Strongvox site was not allocated in the Sedgemoor Local Plan, but it and other sites in the village may come forward as consultation begins on the new Somerset Local Plan, which is expected to be published by April 2028.

The council will make a final decision on the Strongvox proposals in the spring or early-summer. It is not currently clear whether this decision will be taken in public by its planning committee north (which handles major applications in the former Sedgemoor area) or through the delegated powers of its planning officers.