Building of 100 new homes could start next year

SOMERSET’S smallest city will be getting 100 new homes and a larger Cemetery following a decision by council planning officers.

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Gladman Developments applied in June 2019 to construct the new homes south of the B3139 Elm Close in Wells, close to the city’s existing cemetery on the A371 Portway.

Mendip District Council's planning board originally voted to grant permission in January 2020, with the proposals being re-approved by Somerset Council's planning committee east in December 2023 to account for additional phosphate mitigation (which was required following the Dutch N court ruling).

David Wilson Homes subsequently purchased the site, and put forward revised proposals in October 2024 for the same number of homes and an extension to the cemetery.

Somerset Council has now given these plans the green light, meaning construction could begin some time in the new year.

The site (which is allocated for housing within the Mendip Local Plan Part II) lies between Elm Close and Burcott Lane, a short distance from the busy junction with the A371 Portway leading into the city centre.

Access to the new homes will be via a new junction onto Elm Close, with a new footpath and cycle lane being created along the entire northern side of the development site.