32 new homes planned for picturesque Somerset village

The land south of Court Lane in Milborne Port, near Sherborne, is one of the last undeveloped green fields at the northern edge of the village, which lies within the picturesque Blackmore Vale.

Burrington Estates previously attempted to secure permission to build 22 homes on the site - but these plans were refused in February 2024.

The Poole-based Bracken Developments Ltd. has now submitted plans to build 32 homes in the same location - with Somerset Council expected to make a decision on the plans by the early-summer.

Access to the new estate will be near the western end of Court Lane, with a village green being created in the centre of the site.

Plans for 32 homes on Court Lane in Milborne Port (Image: DMW Architects)

None of the new homes will be affordable, due to viability issues brought about by necessary engineering and drainage work and the need to bury or re-route overhead cables running through the site.

A spokesperson for Ken Parke Planning Consultants (representing the applicant) said: "This is a well-considered and high-quality scheme which makes efficient use of land within this village edge/ rural fringe location.

"The proposal is capable of delivering a sympathetic and sensitive form of residential development, at a scale and density which is appropriate and proportionate to the size of the site, surrounding uses and the local context, including acknowledging the presence of nearby designated heritage assets.

"Internally, the proposed dwellings will provide spacious two- and three-bedroom houses, with good sized living areas and habitable rooms.

"Externally, each dwelling is afforded generous outdoor garden spaces, in addition to the village green, play area and other green spaces across the site."

Milborne Port has seen significant housing growth over the last decade, with developers targeting it and the similarly sized villages of Henstridge and Templecombe in lieu of delays with planned developments in larger Somerset settlements.

Bovis Homes completed work in May 2021 on The Hamlets, comprising 46 homes on Gainsborough at the western entrance to the site, just north of the busy A30 Sherborne Road.

Redcliffe Homes is currently selling the final few homes within its Gascoigne Park development on Station Road (comprising 65 homes, a convenience store and a community hub), with permission being in place for a further 58 homes on Wheathill Lane to the east.

The council is expected to make a decision on the outline proposals for the Court Lane site by the early-summer.