BRIDGWATER’S MP has slammed “unacceptable” plans to build 750 homes on the eastern edge of the town, right next to the M5.
Edward Ware (Bridgwater) Ltd. put forward plans in October 2023 for a major development between Bower Lane and the M5, comprising up to 750 houses, a primary school and a community facility.
Following a negative reaction from local residents at a public meeting on April 24, Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox has now written to Somerset Council urging them to refuse permission, arguing the current plans would “place an intolerable burden” on the people of Bridgwater.
The new homes, if approved, will be delivered in three phases from north to south
A new primary school will be delivered near Bower Lane between the phase two and three parcels by July 2030 – around the time that 556 of the new homes had been completed and occupied.
Mr Fox conveyed his thoughts in a published letter to Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets.
He said: “While I am not opposed to development in principle, it must be sustainable, properly planned and backed by the local infrastructure that local residents and future home-owners will rely on.”
The council had originally requested £7.8m for new school places in eastern Bridgwater, with the NHS Somerset integrated care board putting in a request for £418,000 to mitigate pressures on GP services – with the developer arguing it would not be able to provide this funding.
Mr Fox also criticised the council’s recent handling of major roadworks in and around Bridgwater, arguing that the plans in their current form would lead to increased congestion on the town’s arterial roads.
He said: “Residents already face daily congestion entering east Bridgwater via Bath Road and Westonzoyland Road, and this development would only make matters worse.
“There must be a serious and deliverable plan in place – fully funded by the developer – to address the cumulative impact on local roads.”
The spine road linking the homes to the A39 Bath Road will be completed between September 2026 and March 2029, with southbound traffic moving through the Strawberry Grange estate to the recently completed roundabout which links the A372 to a planned development of 530 homes at Folletts Farm on Dunwear Lane.
Bower Lane itself will be downgraded between the two spine road junctions, providing a safe, quiet route for pedestrians and cyclists (on top of cycle lanes which will be provided along the length of the spine road).
Mr Fox continued: “In its current form, this proposal is unacceptable and would place an intolerable burden on Bridgwater residents.”
The East Quay Medical Centre, one of Bridgwater’s main doctors’ surgeries, has also formally objected to the proposed development, arguing that it cannot accommodate any further patients without significant investment.
Bridgwater Town Council has already voted to recommend refusal of the plans, with Bridgwater Without Parish Council expected to make its own formal recommendation later in May.
A final decision is expected to be taken by Somerset Council’s planning committee north in the autumn.