ANOTHER 160 new homes could be built in Cannington, a few miles from Hinkley Point C nuclear power station if plans are approved.

Strongvox Homes is already building 109 houses in the Cricketer Farm development on the A39 in Nether Stowey, and seeking permission for a further 58 nearby.

Now, the Taunton-based developer has published plans to deliver 160 new properties in neighbouring Cannington, on the by-pass linking the village to the Hinkley C site.

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

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

Access would be from an existing spur off the by-pass, with the development linking to cycleways running toward the A39, and an existing public right of way to Chad’s Hill being maintained.

A bollard-controlled emergency vehicle access would be created off Withiel Drive, which would be resurfaced and remodelled to make it easier for cyclists to travel from the new homes to shops and other facilities in High Street.

The proposed new housing ranges from two to four bedrooms in size, with 48 of them ‘affordable’ to meet the council’s target of 30 per cent ‘affordable homes’ in any new development of 10 or more.

A spokesperson for planning consultants Focus On Design 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 toward 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 by-pass to the proposed development within the central parts of the site.

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

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 the Bridgwater area.

Crest Nicholson South West recently delivered the Grange Meadow development of 73 homes at the southern entrance to the village, with a new Co-operative food store 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, but its plans were thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate in early 2022.

The Strongvox site was not allocated in the former Sedgemoor Local Plan, but it and other sites in the village could 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 was not clear, however, if the decision would be taken in public by its planning committee or behind the scenes via delegated powers given to its officers.