A proposed housing development near Castle Cary railway station has sparked interest and debate among locals. Imagine nearly 50 new homes springing up near one of Somerset's busiest train stations!
Backhouse Housing, a developer based in Chippenham, has submitted revised plans for 49 homes on Burfitt Road in Castle Cary. This comes after a significant housing boom in the town over the past decade, with multiple new estates approved between the town centre and the railway station in Ansford parish.
Initially, the developer proposed building 60 homes, but they've since scaled back their plans. According to a spokesperson for Grass Roots Planning, representing Backhouse Housing, the revised proposals offer "significant benefits" and include "up to 17" affordable houses.
The new development will have access from Burfitt Road within the Lovel's Farm site, with pedestrian access to Lockett Drive at the site's western edge. There's also a possibility of a pedestrian crossing over the main road to provide access to Ansford Hill.
If this development goes ahead, it will create a complete walking and cycling route to the railway station, which sees around 310,000 passenger journeys annually. This route will connect via the existing footpath through the Station Green site.
However, there's no current proposal for a pedestrian link between the Backhouse site and Redcliffe Homes' planned development of 29 houses on Station Road, which was approved in September 2024.
The Grass Roots Planning spokesperson emphasized that the density of the scheme has been adapted to fit the site's character and landscape, with the design reflecting the recently approved adjacent scheme for consistency and harmony.
Somerset Council is expected to decide on these proposals by the end of the year. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your thoughts on this potential development in the comments below! Will this new housing project enhance the area, or is it a step too far?
