WORK can now begin on 163 homes which will form the latest extension to the Kings Down estate in Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor District Council has approved a reserved matters application from developer Taylor Wimpey for the latest phase of the 2,000 homes being built on land between theA38 Bristol Road, A39 Bath Road and the M5 in North East Bridgwater.

The proposed homes are directly adjoined by two separate newly built and under construction developments by Persimmon Homes for a total 193 homes and fall within the Bridgwater Without parish.

The southern boundary of the new development will be next to the main recreational space and heart of the community development, Kings Down Pavilion.

The main access to the new site will be off of Westminster Way.

Of the 163 new homes proposed, 147 have been designated as open market houses while 16 will be affordable homes.

The affordable homes will make up approximately 10 per cent of the development and include two two-bedroom apartments, seven two-bedroom homes and five three-bedroom houses.

Seven of these will be for social rent while the remaining nine properties will be available for shared ownership.

As for the open market housing, the vast majority will be three bedroom homes - of which there will be 108.

The plans also have 12 two-bedroom open market homes and 27 four-bedroom open market homes.

The proposals also include car parking and garaging, internal access roads and footpaths, and a public open space including a new play area.

To combat potential flooding, a ‘sustainable urban drainage system is being installed in the form of new leats.

Bridgwater Without Parish Council is in favour of the new application, saying it will provide ‘much-needed’ new housing for the area.

To view the full application visit the planning section of Sedgemoor District Council’s website and search for the application reference 09/18/00010.