Permission to build 260 new homes on Bower Lane, in Bridgwater has been granted by Sedgemoor District Council, despite objections from local residents.

The site is being developed by Countryside and comprises a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties, 78 of which will be affordable.

Named Strawberry Grange and located on the eastern edge of Bridgwater, the site is well-connected with transport links that provide easy access to the town centre and the M5.

As part of the conditions of approval, Countryside will also deliver, and fund, a new roundabout providing access to the site and a link to connect future housing development planned in the Dunwear Lane area.

Darren Dancey, managing director for Countryside South West said: “We’re thrilled to have received approval to bring 260 much-needed high-quality homes to Bridgwater, 30 per cent of which will be affordable.

“This is a key milestone in realising our vision for Strawberry Grange and an exciting step forward as we continue to expand our footprint in the South West.”

“We’re also delighted to be working on our first deal with Sigma Capital Group in the South West to deliver a range of quality two, three, and four bedroom homes available for private rent at Strawberry Grange.”

Countryside has partnered with Sigma Capital Group to deliver 100 build-to-rent units at the development.

Through their longstanding partnership, they have delivered over 4,000 homes in recent years, but this marks its first deal with Countryside in the South West.

Several residents objected to the plans fearing an increase in traffic congestion.

Butterfly Day Nursery, based on Bower Lane, said “significantly more traffic will be experienced once the proposed houses are inhabited”.

The objection also read: “Bower Lane is already an extremely dangerous road that is used by pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle users. Bower Lane is narrow, has many blind bends, no footpath/cycle path and is used by motor vehicles as a cut through often driven at speeds far exceeding legal limits.

“I strongly encourage the planning team to ensure that this point is given serious consideration before allowing plans to be approved.”

The risk of flooding was mentioned too as “the construction of new houses will reduce the amount of available land able to absorb water”.