Homes approved despite fears over safe road access

2 hours ago

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The new houses will be built in the north of the village of Street

Google A screengrab from Google Maps showing an aerial view of the northern part of the village of Street in Somerset. There are lots of houses in the bottom part of the image with some green fields at the top, where the houses will be built. — The new houses will be built in the north of the village of Street

Up to 65 new homes will be built in a large village despite fears the access road may not be safe enough.

Crossman Acquisitions Ltd. put forward plans in April 2025 to create up to 71 new homes on Moorland Road in Street, Somerset.

After negotiations with Somerset Council's planning officers, Crossman reduced the number of homes to 65 and will provide additional funding for local NHS services.

The planning committee approved the plans at a meeting this week, despite local concerns about the access point.

Access to the site would be achieved by extending Moorland Road to the north, with a children's play area being provided near the entrance, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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The developer originally intended to contribute around £1,500 towards providing new NHS services in the village. However, following a last-minute request by NHS Somerset, this contribution will rise to nearly £40,000.

Resident Matthew Dobbins criticised the plans at the meeting on 7 April.

In a statement read out on his behalf, he said: "There is a fundamental failure in these plans to meet the national safety standards regarding the access road width.

"Why use Moorland Road when you have Strawberry Hill, which already has a built-in, sympathetic, speed-reducing feature?

"By approving these plans, the committee would knowingly create a permanent safety hazard that directly contradicts national policy."

Another resident, who commented on the council's planning portal, said they have safety concerns due to the road width and layout and added the road is "clearly not suitable for the projected volume of traffic on a daily basis".

Angus Meek Architects An architect's illustration showing the original plans for 71 homes on Moorland Road in Street — Original plans for 71 homes on Moorland Road in Street

Councillor Liz Leyshon said the development would provide much-needed affordable homes for young people in the village.

Of the 65 homes planned for the site, 20 will be affordable, meeting the council's 30% target for any new development of 10 homes or more within the former Mendip area.

The company - which is part of the Crossman Group - intends to create a wildflower meadow, offsetting any net increase in phosphates generated by the new homes.

A reserved-matters application, giving more details on the design and layout of the new homes, is expected to come forward before Christmas.

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