FRESH plans for a major housing development in Bridgwater have been put forward after the site changed ownership for a second time.

Winters and Edward Ware Homes was granted outline planning permission in May 2018 to build 260 new homes on Bower Lane, just west of the M5 motorway.

The site was subsequently sold to Keepmoat Homes, with amended proposals for the same number of homes being approved in April 2021.

Now a third vision of the site has been submitted by Countryside Properties, with Sedgemoor District Council expected to make a decision on the plans by the spring.

The site (which has been dubbed ‘Strawberry Grange’ on the company’s website) lies to the north of the A372 Westonzoyland Road, which connects Bridgwater to the wider Somerset Levels and Moors.

Bridgwater Mercury: Plans For 260 Homes On Bower Lane In Bridgwater. CREDIT: Focus On Design. Free to use for all BBC wire partners.

A new roundabout will be delivered as part of the development, providing both the first section of a new spine road and an access point for a further planned development of 560 homes off Dunwear Lane to the south.

The Brentwood-based developer – which is currently constructing the Sulis Down development on the edge of Bath – said its plans had been “tested, reviewed and influenced by good design principles reflecting the aspirations of all involved.”

A spokesman added: “The central key green space has been repositioned to better reflect the master-plan.

“Priority has been afforded to pedestrians and cyclists, in the delivery of a mixture of street types (shared surfaces as well as traditional estate roads).

“[There are] improved key green areas and play spaces, and an attractive street and public realm environment, allowing for better community interaction and place-making.”

The Bower Lane site forms part of a wider allocation within the council’s Local Plan, which aims to deliver up to 1,200 new homes between the A39 Bath Road and the A372 by 2032.

Bridgwater Mercury: Site Of 260 Planned Homes On Bower Lane In Bridgwater. CREDIT: Daniel Mumby. Free to use for all BBC wire partners.

The built-out of the site will also include a new primary school and a spine road connecting the new roundabout to the A39, with Bower Lane becoming closed to motor vehicles.

Somerset County Council, which owns Sandpits Farm and the surrounding land within the site, confirmed in August 2021 that it would sell off the land in parcels to enable development while retaining the primary school site.

The district council is expected to make a decision on the amended proposals in the spring – though it is not clear whether the new plans will come before the development committee for a public decision.