FRESH plans have been put forward for 260 homes and a new roundabout on the eastern edge of Bridgwater.

The Bower Farm site, just west of the M5 motorway, has been earmarked for more than 1,350 new homes within Sedgemoor District Council’s Local Plan, along with new schools, public open space and community facilities.

Outline planning permission was granted in May to Winters and Edward Ware Homes to build the first 260 homes on the site, and to deliver a new roundabout to prevent traffic congestion.

Fresh plans for the houses have now been submitted by new owner Keepmoat Homes, with a decision expected to be made by the end of the year.

The Doncaster-based developer will deliver the new homes just north of the crossroads where the A372 Westonzoyland Road meets Bower Lane and Dunwear Lane.

The new homes will range from one-bedroom maisonettes to four-bedroom houses, and only 31 of the new homes will be affordable – just under 12 per cent.

A spokesman said: “The site is well connected to Bridgwater town centre, its facilities and also to the M5 motorway.

“Bridgwater railway station is located around one kilometre to the west of the site, providing access to Taunton, Exeter and Bristol.

“Walking and cycling is encouraged first and foremost within the scheme, with then good access to public transport.”

A total of £5.5M was allocated to the site in February 2018 from the government’s housing infrastructure fund, which exists to deliver new roads and other infrastructure to enable major developments to be constructed.

Under the terms of the outline permission, not a single house can be built on the site until the new roundabout has been constructed to replace the existing crossroads.

From there, the developer will construct the first phase of a new spine road running through the site, which will eventually link up with the A39 Bath Road as new sections are brought forward by different house-builders.

Separate plans for a new specialist school at the northern end of the site, near the town’s community hospital, were announced by Somerset County Council in May 2018.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the detailed plans for the Bower Farm after November 4.