Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee considered several significant planning applications at its recent meeting on 26 February 2026.
The Committee unanimously objected to the proposal by Bloor Homes for 220 dwellings on land to the west of Risemoor Road. Members raised concerns about substandard access to the site, the lack of a realistic travel plan capable of mitigating traffic congestion, and the failure of the application to address primary healthcare provision.
Three applications submitted by Barrett Homes for the development of 530 dwellings at Follets Farm, Dunwear Lane were also unanimously opposed. The Committee noted that the proposals failed to provide the minimum required play equipment and a multi‑use games area for a development of this scale. Concerns were also raised about insufficient information on wildlife impacts, flooding risk and traffic, along with a lack of clarity over the loss of hedgerows and trees.
In contrast, the Committee strongly supported the application relating to the restoration of Bridgwater Docks. As one of the eleven projects funded through the Bridgwater Town Deal, the Committee noted that the Docks restoration marks an important milestone in delivering long‑promised benefits for the community.
Members also expressed their pleasure at seeing the project finally move forward after a series of delays, welcoming the detailed proposals for new paving, lighting columns, seating and the introduction of leisure and residential moorings alongside wider public realm and engineering improvements.
Cllr Tim Mander, Chair of the Planning Committee, said
“The Committee was disappointed by the failure of the Follets Farm applicant to address essential environmental concerns and to meet the legal requirement to provide minimum play equipment for a development of the size proposed.
“Notwithstanding the objection to yet another HMO application, this time in Clare Street, the Committee enthusiastically welcomed the revised application related to the regeneration of Bridgwater Docks.”
Bridgwater Town Council’s recommendations will now be submitted to Somerset Council’s Area North Planning Committee, which holds responsibility for making the final decision on these applications.
