350 homes approved despite solar panel refusal

Hundreds of new homes have been given the go ahead despite fears over flooding, traffic and renewable energy provision.

The Wyndham Estate in Williton, Somerset, will include 350 homes, commercial space, leisure facilities and public open space.

Several critics on Somerset Council had complained about the refusal of the developer, Lovell Homes, to fit solar panels on the homes.

Lovell Homes had argued the panels were not viable following the government's closure of a scheme whereby homeowners could sell electricity back to the grid. It said the panels would also have a negative visual impact.

Councillor Dave Mansell said while "there are lots of good features of this scheme", the developer seemed to have "weird prejudices" against solar panels.

Councillor Caroline Ellis said solar panels would work in conjunction with air source heat pumps being installed, saving homeowners money on bills, adding: "It's ridiculous that it isn't already mandatory for any new developments."

In 2019, the Government closed its feed-in-tariff scheme to new applicants, meaning homeowners could no longer get cash if their renewable energy sources generated enough energy to feed some back to the national grid.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, under the proposals, 44 per cent of the new homes will be affordable (the equivalent of 155 properties) – far above the 35 per cent mandated within the council's targets.

The homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points fitted as standard.

Councillor Rosemary Woods feared the homes would be subject to flooding and questioned the impact the homes would have on the already busy A39.

Councillor Nick O'Donnell said: "Here we have 350 homes coming onto the A39 – I can see cars piling up waiting to get onto the main road."

To address the issues surrounding flooding, "balancing ponds" have been planned for the estate along with allotments.

The estate was approved with conditions including the developer paying £200,000 to deliver 1 mile (1.5km) of the Steam Coast Trail – a path for walkers and cyclists.

A further £500,000 will be provided for new walking and cycling links between the development site and the village of Williton, with an extra £200,000 for a new toucan crossing.

Local bus stops will also be upgraded, with a contribution of up to £500,000 to support the 28 service between Minehead and Taunton and the 15 service between Minehead and Bridgwater.

Construction is expected to begin by the spring of 2026.

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