DEVELOPERS starting a new housing estate in Watchet have applied to be allowed to include more bungalows than originally planned.

Edenstone is delivering 139 new homes with its Underwood Gardens estate to the south of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue.

The development included 20 bungalows when detailed plans were approved in June of last year.

But now, the company wants to increase the number to 28, and has applied for planning permission to substitute one, two, and three-bedroom bungalows for three and four-bedroom houses in the southern corner of the site.

Planning agent Helen Ross, of Bristol-based Grass Roots Planning, said the bungalows would be open market housing and the change would not affect any of the planned affordable dwellings on the estate.

Ms Ross said: “The increase in the number of bungalow units reflects the demand for this type of property, with the increase in these house types meeting an acknowledged need.

“It is considered the proposed amendments would continue to fit sympathetically within the overall design and have no adverse visual impact on the street scene, or effect on the living conditions of existing or future residents.

“The proposals would not be contrary to planning policy and would not result in the development falling outside of the description of development permitted.

“The amended house types follow the distinct character areas set out in the design and access statement by continuing to provide a lower density development to the rural fringe of the site.

“Given the heights of the properties have only reduced, this would have no increased landscape impact.”

The estate will also have 32 one, two, three and four-bedroom social rented properties, including flats, apartments, bungalows, and two-storey houses.

Edenstone said the first of the energy-efficient new homes should be for sale off-plan this winter, with a show home opening early in 2026.