AN outline planning application for a proposed housing development on a greenfield site in Midsomer Norton has been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The plan by developer Taylor Wimpey for 130 homes on fields either side of Chilcompton Road was discussed at a recent resident’s meeting held by B&NES Independent Cllr Shaun Hughes for Midsomer Norton North.

In a surprise twist, an update from Cllr Hughes is suggesting that contrary to the developer Taylor Wimpey's indication they were invited to put in an application for the site by the local authority, they were advised against it.

In a statement Cllr Hughes said: “BANES did not invite Taylor Wimpey to submit an application, in fact Taylor Wimpey were advised the complete opposite, that they should wait until the Local Plan had been adopted before submitting any application.”

Taylor Wimpey called the plans to build off Chilcompton Road “a logical and sustainable extension to the existing settlement.” The home construction company has concurrently submitted plans to Somerset Council as the site spans both local authority areas with 17 of the homes technically within the Somerset Council area.

The public limited company also said that 30 percent of the homes would be affordable housing and the development would include “generous areas of open spaces” but people have questioned why developers are still building on fields when there remains a huge brownfield site in the middle of the town which locals want to see developed.

Lodging an objection to Taylor Wimpey’s planning application, Jamie Bracey said: “There are alternative brownfield sites within the area, such as Welton Bag and Radco, which are currently either vacant or in a state of significant disrepair.

“These sites should be prioritised for development before any consideration is given to the loss of existing greenfield land.”

The old Welton Bibby and Baron factory buildings off Station Road have been derelict for years but the Journal recently reported that budget supermarket Aldi has submitted a pre-planning application for the site.

Cllr Shaun Hughes warned of highways risks on Chilcompton Road, that the River Somerset which runs across part of the site already floods in winter, and added that part of the site fell within consultation zone for odour emissions from the nearby Chilcompton Sewage Treatment Works.

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “Our outline planning applications for up to 130 new homes, public open space and enhanced habitats for wildlife, have now been submitted to B&NES and Somerset Councils.

“We remain committed to continual engagement with both stakeholders and the local community as the consultation process continues.

“Our proposals were carefully considered following engagement with Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), Somerset Council and local residents. We would like to thank everyone who provided their feedback on our plans, which were updated in light of the comments we received."

Plans for the development can be viewed at: https://app.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=26%2F01621%2FOUT#details_Section with the public consultation closing on June 5, 2026.