WATCHET could have a new public park if revised plans for 139 new homes are given the go-ahead by the new unitary Somerset Council, it was announced this week.

Grass Roots Planning were granted permission by Somerset West and Taunton Council in October 2019 to build the new homes on land either side of Normandy Avenue, at the south-eastern corner of Watchet.

The site has now been sold to Newport-based developer Edenstone Homes, who have put forward amended proposals for the same number of properties.

A decision on the revised plans will be taken by the new unitary council after it assumes control on April 1.

The site occupies three fields either side of Normandy Avenue and Cherry Tree Way, a short distance from the Liddymore Park development of 250 homes currently being constructed by Summerfield Developments.

The main access will be from a new junction on Doniford Road at the site’s eastern edge, with Normandy Avenue.

The existing farm track to Liddymore Farm will remain in place, allowing farm vehicles to pass through the development and maintaining the public right of way which provides access to Knights Templar community church school.

A total of 39 homes will be affordable - the equivalent of 35 per cent of properties - ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.

The homes will be concentrated at the southern end of the site, with the northern tip being allocated for a hilltop park, with views of the Bristol Channel.

A spokesman for Grass Roots Planning (representing Edenstone Homes) said: “The provision of a large public park is likely to be a destination for residents of the wider Watchet area, given the views and quality of walking routes it will deliver.”

A decision on the Normandy Avenue proposals is expected to be made by late spring or early-summer.