Revised plans have been put forward for a new development of 47 homes on the western edge of Wells.
Wells LVA LLP and Little Burcott Ltd. applied in August 2023 for outline permission to build 47 new homes on the B3139 Elm Close, near the junction with Gipsy Lane.
Somerset Council’s Planning Committee – East (which handles major applications within the former Mendip area) narrowly voted to refuse the plans in early-December 2024, but reversed its decision in early-January 2025 following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Acorn Property Group has now submitted detailed proposals for the same number of homes – with the council expected to make a ruling by the end of the year.
In line with the outline designs, the existing junction with Gipsy Lane will be completely remodelled to create a new T-junction, with a new cycle lane which will run along the southern side of Elm Close (including the neighbouring development site of 100 homes, being delivered by David Wilson Homes).
Gipsy Lane will remain accessible via a new junction within the housing estate, and the existing public right of way through the site will be upgraded, providing a safe pedestrian route to Burcott Lane.
The homes will fan out from the new access route, with the southern edge being set aside for public open space, a children’s play area, an attenuation pond and a green buffer to provide a soft edge between Wells and the neighbouring village of Wookey.
The new homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with a total of 122 parking spaces being provided throughout the site. Out of the 47 homes planned for the site, 19 will be affordable – the equivalent of 40 per cent of all properties.
As part of the outline legal agreement (which was signed off in November 2025), the development will provide more than £11,000 of additional funding towards active travel, which will be directed towards enhancing and extending the Strawberry Line route which runs through the city.
A spokesperson for Angus Meek Architects (representing the developer) said: “The design has been influenced by the physical site character, neighbouring setting and aesthetic character of the local context to create a legible and distinctive addition to the edge of Wells.
“A range of house sizes, design types and tenures is proposed to offer accommodation choice aimed at creating a mixed and balanced community that helps to meet the challenge of necessary additional house-building for the region.
“The site aims to provide a sustainable development through the creation of new homes in close proximity to local services, places of work and transport options and by supporting and improving cycle and footpath links.”
The western edge of Wells has witnessed significant housing growth over the last decade, with the delivery of the Priory Fields estate (comprising 119 homes south of Wookey Hole Road) and the Rose Banks development (consisting of 220 houses on the A371 Portway).
In addition to the David Wilson Homes site on Elm Close (christened ‘The Elms’), Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd. secured outline permission on appeal in August 2024 for 50 homes south of the Wells Touring Park.
The Planning Inspectorate also granted Gladman Developments outline permission on appeal in September 2025 to deliver a further 78 homes on Wookey Hole Road – with the site being put up for sale in February.
Two further developments near the Acorn site are currently under consideration – one for 116 homes on Elm Close (put forward by Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd.) and one to relocate Wells Rugby Club to new facilities on Portway (with Stonewater intending to deliver 106 homes on the existing Charter Way rugby pitches once this relocation has occurred).
Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on the Acorn proposals before Christmas.
Daniel Mumby – Local Democracy Reporter