DOZENS of new homes and a takeaway outlet could be constructed in Cotford St. Luke if revised plans are approved, writes Local Democracy reporter Daniel Mumby.

Hallam Land Management originally put forward plans in October 2021 to deliver 80 homes and a “local centre” on the north side of Dene Road in Cotford St. Luke, a few miles north-west of Taunton.

The developer has now put forward amended proposals, providing more information about the layout of the homes and a planned orchard at the northern edge of the site.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the summer.

The site is allocated within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2040, as one of three sites to deliver housing within Cotford St. Luke.

A new access road north of Dene Road will be created, near the existing junction with North Villas, with pedestrian access also being provided at the eastern end of Dene Road and near the existing homes on Manning Road.

Of the 80 homes planned for the site, 20 will be affordable, meeting the council’s 25 per cent target for any new development of ten homes or more.

An orchard and allotments will be created at the northern edge of the site, with access into the neighbouring field being retained – land which lies within the same ownership and is also allocated within the Local Plan.

The new takeaway outlet is estimated to create up to 20 local jobs – though the development has not specified any particular brand or operator which will take on the unit after construction.

A spokesman for Nexus Planning (representing the applicant) said the development would provide employment for the village to make up for other employment sites not coming forward – including those promised within a 60-home development on the other side of Dene Road.

The spokesman said: “The east of Deane Barton allocation included 0.25 hectares for six business starter units, in order to broaden the village’s employment opportunities and also to enhance its self-sufficiency.

“However these business units have not come forward as intended; instead, the development delivered only includes six live/work units, of which an application has already been submitted for the change of use of one to provide ancillary residential accommodation.

“The delivery of up to 80 dwellings in a sustainable location will effectively bolster the supply of homes to help safeguard or counter the ongoing uncertainty around housing delivery, which would directly support the government’s objective of significantly boosting the supply of homes.

“The site will provide a range of economic benefits, including employment opportunities with the local centre and increased expenditure in the local economy.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the amended plans by the summer.