COTFORD St Look could continue to rapidly expand if plans for a further 80 homes are approved.

Hallam Land Management secured permission on appeal in February 2023 to build 80 new homes and a takeaway on Dene Road in the vilage.

This site was sold off to Lovell Homes in February for a cool £25m, with the London-based developer intending to begin construction of the new homes within the site will begin in the summer of 2025.

Hallam Land Management has now published plans for a further 80 homes north of the Lovell Homes site – with Somerset Council expected to make a decision on the proposals in the early-spring.

To provide a car-free access to the village, Burge Farm Lane will be enhanced with improved links to existing footpaths – and new allotments will be provided immediately to the west.

Of the 80 new homes proposed, 20 will be affordable – meeting the council’s target of 25 per cent affordable housing.

To reduce the risk of localised flooding, new attenuation ponds will be created at both the northern and southern ends of the new estate.

A spokesman for PAD Design (representing the applicant) said: “The Development will draw on the character of the village, including the adjoining approved development site – to which it will deliver an attractive and integrated extension.

“The site will also provide further landscape areas to link with and complement those of the existing development, together with provision for active travel.”

Planned entrance to new development of 80 homes and takeaway outlet on Dene Road in Cotford St. Luke (Picture: Google Maps)
Planned entrance to new development of 80 homes and takeaway outlet on Dene Road in Cotford St. Luke (Picture: Google Maps) (Planned entrance to new development of 80 homes and takeaway outlet on Dene Road in Cotford St. Luke (Picture: Google Maps))

The site and its immediate neighbour were not allocated for development within the Taunton Deane Core Strategy; however, they were identified as possible sites for residential development as part of a review of housing within the Somerset West and Taunton district which begin in late-2020.

The Taunton Deane Ramblers Association has raised concerns about whether the existing right of way which links Dene Road to Tithill Lane would be enhanced as part of the proposals.

Footpaths officer Brenda Prentice said: “We have long held the view that any development around a right of way should use the public path as a feature to enhanced the development, make a feature of it, and encourage the public to gain access to the rights of way network

“Architects should be taught this in their training. If it is found that the development impinges on the integrity of the right of way, an objection will be raised.”

Stuart Berry, who lives on Tithill Lane, is among several local residents who have already objected to the plans.

He said: “Cars accessing the new allotments will use Tithill Lane and Burge Farm lane.

“Tithill Lane is a single track road with very limited passing points and in places very limited visibility; I estimate the need to reverse for one in 10 journeys, which at night or for elderly people is hazardous.

“This looks like the thin edge of the wedge to apply for planning in the field to the west of Burge Farm Lane.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the proposals early in the new year.