The Site

An unconstrained site

The site extends to approximately 22.5 hectares and is relatively unconstrained in planning and environmental terms.

It is not subject to landscape or environmental designations, the developable area is located within Flood Zone 1 (low flood risk), and is free from phosphate constraints that affect other areas across Somerset.

  • Free of planning policy designations and outside the environmental constraints that apply across large parts of Somerset (such as national landscapes).
  • Not within a Conservation Area
  • No heritage assets within the site.
  • Free from phosphate issues, which constrain many other areas in Somerset.
  • Environment Agency’s (EA) Flood Map for Planning shows that the proposed developed area of the site is classified as Flood Zone 1, meaning it has a low risk of flooding. There are small areas in the north-west and south-west of the site that are within Flood Zones 2 and 3, but which are not proposed for housing.
  • An Agricultural Land Classification survey confirms the majority of the site (c.70%) comprises Grade 3b (of only moderate quality)and non-agricultural land, with the remaining area including some Grade 3a land.
  • There are several telegraph poles and overhead power lines crossing the site, which are accommodated through the design.

The site is also well contained by existing infrastructure and land uses, including the M5, A38 and surrounding employment areas. While close to everyday facilities and jobs, the site is not in a significantly built-up area and is separated from major residential areas, with only a small number of properties directly adjoining the site boundaries.

This allows for a scheme that can be integrated sensitively into its surroundings, with landscape buffers and green corridors helping to manage relationships with neighbouring properties.

A Sustainable & Accessible Site

Land at Downend is located in a highly sustainable location, with immediate access to the A38, A39 and M5, and with pedestrian and cycle access to everyday facilities available in Puriton including a pub, primary school, post office, shops and sports facilities.

The site is also accessible by cycle (30 minutes) and public transport to the many essential facilities in Bridgwater, including Bridgwater train station and supermarkets, schools as well as many shops and services.

  • A key aspect of ensuring sustainable development is providing new homes within commutable proximity of jobs and the site is within commutable distance of:
  • Gravity Enterprise Zone is less than 2 miles from the site and will generate thousands of new jobs in an emerging and high skilled sector.
  • Tata Group’s global battery business, Agratas, is due to open its new facility in 2026 and aims to supply almost half of the batteries needed by the UK’s automotive industry by the early 2030s, creating 4,000 jobs.
  • The site is just a 5 minute walk to Hinkley Point C Park & Ride and 13 miles from Hinkley Point C itself.
  • iAero is also within commutable distance at 30 miles from site.
  • Just to the south of the site is Dunball Industrial Estate, a significant proportion of Bridgwater Business Park, and the northern extents of Woodlands Court Business Park.

Bus stops are located adjacent to the site on the A38 Bristol Road providing services every 30 minutes, including to Taunton, Bridgwater, Pawlett, Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea. Further bus stops in Puriton provide services to Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, and Axbridge.

Bridgwater Train Station provides a mainline train route to Exeter and Bristol and beyond.