CG Fry and Sons' Development Proposal for 620 New Homes in Shepton Mallet

Strategic Insights -

Construction company CG Fry and Sons is seeking planning permission to build 620 new homes on a former showground in Shepton Mallet. The development, which includes a new primary school, care home, local centre, and parkland, is expected to bring significant benefits to the town, including new homes, affordable housing, education, and community facilities. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the town's green belt and job market, with opponents arguing that the development could be detrimental to the town centre.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed development includes 620 new homes, with 30% of them being affordable housing.
  • The development is expected to bring an estimated 963 new people to the town, who may struggle to find jobs.
  • CG Fry and Sons is required to contribute over £8.6 million towards local facilities, including education, community facilities, and infrastructure.
  • The company can either pay £8.14 million towards early years and primary education or build a school for early years and primary education itself.
  • The development includes a new primary school, care home, local centre, and parkland open space close to the town centre.
  • The nearby showground has already hosted events at its new home, and construction work is expected to start in 2027, subject to obtaining planning permission.
  • The proposed development is considered an "exceptional opportunity to provide much-needed high-quality new homes" by the Somerset Quality Review Panel.
  • Shepton Mallet Town Council is in favour of the project with a few provisos.

Statistics:

  • 620 new homes are proposed for the development.
  • 30% of the homes are expected to be affordable housing.
  • The development is expected to bring an estimated 963 new people to the town.
  • CG Fry and Sons is required to contribute over £8.6 million towards local facilities.
  • The company can either pay £8.14 million towards early years and primary education or build a school for early years and primary education itself.
  • The development includes over £500,000 for SEND education off site and to expand Grove House Surgery and Park Medical Practice.

Sources:

  • CG Fry and Sons
  • Somerset Council
  • Shepton Mallet Town Council
  • Somerset Quality Review Panel
  • Phil Hill