Plans for 171 homes at Brue Farm in Highbridge submitted after nearly two years

The application, which has been submitted by the Bristol Division of Barratt Homes, also includes a new roundabout and outline permission for a new primary school.

This site forms part of a larger area of land at Brue Farm outlined in Sedgemoor District Council’s Core Strategy for an urban extension to Highbridge with up to 550 homes planned.

Barratt Homes own land forming part of this urban extension, as well as a parcel of land directly adjacent, which will be gifted to Somerset County Council allocated as land for the new primary school.

SCC will then decide on the exact time frames for building the new school under a separate application.

The land for the school also includes enough space for two playing pitches.

Barratt Homes propose that access to the site will be provided via a new four-arm roundabout in the vicinity of Alstone Road.

There are also cycling and walking routes proposed as part of the scheme, as well as a toddler and junior play area.

The site will also have a pond-like ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage’ facilities which Barratt Homes say will create a ‘functional yet attractive landscape with enhanced habitat and biodiversity value.

Prior to submitting the application, the applicants had three meetings with Sedgemoor District and Somerset County Council officers relating to matters of policy, design and consultation.

Barratt Homes held a public consultation in September in Highbridge Community Hall which more than 100 people attended.

Of the consultation comments received via feedback forms, 14 were supportive of new housing being developed in Highbridge while 17 respondents did not feel this was required.

Concerns raised included traffic, flood risk and drainage, as well as issues relating to the wider social infrastructure in Highbridge, such as medical provision.

To view the full application visit the planning section of the Sedgemoor District Council website and search reference 52/19/00001.