Daniel Mumby

Construction of up to 40 homes at Beavers Lodge Farm in Lympsham, Somerset, is expected to begin before the end of 2026 after Somerset Council finally signed the required legal agreements. The plans, originally proposed for 50 homes in 2019, were revised and approved by Sedgemoor District Council in 2022 following negotiations. The development will include one- to four-bedroom properties, 16 affordable homes offered through social rent and shared ownership, new pedestrian connections to the sports club and primary school, green spaces and sustainable drainage. The first homes could reach the market by summer 2027.

Somerset Council has postponed a decision for the second time on the Church Commissioners for England’s proposal to build 60 homes and a community hub south of Roughmoor Lane in Westbury-sub-Mendip. Councillors and residents support additional housing in principle but say the A371 is dangerous and difficult to cross, particularly for children, and that the plans do not provide a safe pedestrian crossing. The scheme includes 18 affordable homes, infrastructure contributions and measures such as a 20mph speed limit and relocated bus stop. The planning committee voted 6–5, with one abstention, to commission an independent highway-safety assessment before reconsidering the application before Christmas.

A senior Avon and Somerset police officer explains that lengthy M5 closures after serious incidents are necessary to protect evidence, meet coroner requirements and support possible criminal prosecutions. Forensic collision investigations took an average of just under five hours, while some scenes involving suspected criminal acts may require much longer closures. Andy Roebuck said the force is underfunded and is exploring technology to reduce disruption, but argued that faster investigations would require changes to legislation and the coroner’s system.

National Highways has formally apologised for repeated, lengthy M5 closures in Somerset, which councillors say are increasingly disrupting residents, businesses and the wider South West economy. Officials attributed most incidents to crashes, welfare concerns and poor driving standards rather than road infrastructure, while police and council representatives called for better coordination and contingency planning. More than £100 million is expected to be invested in M5 renewals through 2031, but officials said there is no single solution and that a new parallel road is not planned.

Somerset Council has confirmed that Welsh contractor Centregreat will deliver upgrades to the Edithmead roundabout and other A38 improvement schemes after previously completing the Dunball roundabout project. The appointment, valued at an estimated £12.8m, was disclosed in a council report on officer gifts and hospitality. Final business cases for the wider £30m set of schemes, developed with North Somerset Council to reduce congestion and improve safety between the M5 and Bristol Airport, have been submitted to the Department for Transport, with a decision expected soon. The planned works include converting Edithmead into a signalised throughabout, remodelling the Cross junction, and improving the Shute Shelve crossing, while traffic calming in Rooksbridge is notably absent from the tender.