PROPOSALS for 1,400 new homes opposite Bridgwater's Gravity site have been revealed.

The planned development in Woolavington would also see a primary school, local centre and play areas.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley is seeking allocation for land west of the town in Somerset Council’s forthcoming Local Plan, saying it would be “an opportunity for sustainable economic growth in the area” and “help address the acute housing need”.

Woolavington West is a mile from M5 Junction 23 and four miles by road from Bridgwater.

Opposite the proposed site is the 616-acre Gravity Smart Campus, which is proposed to deliver more than 7,500 jobs and dynamic uses including rail, health, sports and other social facilities.

Persimmons say the economic benefits its proposed development would include millions of pounds worth of investment in section 106 (planning gain), Community Infrastructure Levy contributions, and new council tax receipts.

Construction would support hundreds of jobs each year as well as around 200 at the operational stage.

The housebuilder's vision includes 1,400 new homes, a primary school, mixed-use local centre and mobility hub, football pitches, equipped play areas and active travel routes between Woolavington Road and Crancombe Lane.

It includes two hectares of land for educational establishments, 17.4ha as public open space, 4.1ha for new woodland and 3.2ha of retained hedgerows. A number of homes would also be transferred to a local housing association.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley managing director Paul Moody said: "Woolavington West provides a great opportunity to deliver a quality and sustainable development of new homes, community facilities and services in the local area.

“The scheme will help meet local housing need and is a logical site which will complement the exciting employment plans proposed at the nearby Gravity Smart Campus.

"Our vision for the site prioritises a sense of place and would create a positive legacy locally through the delivery of several key community facilities and amenities.

“Through an allocation in the forthcoming Somerset Local Plan, Woolavington West would deliver a mix of much needed homes aligned to the local authority's housing requirements and wider social, economic and environmental ambitions for the area.”

Sustainable transport at the site would be delivered with a network of routes and connections to neighbouring areas encouraging walking, cycling and public transport to the campus.

A public consultation on the plans is set to take place next year.