PLANS for 98 new homes near Bridgwater's iconic Willow Man sculpture have been submitted.

The scheme, for land adjacent to the Kings Down development, has been developed by Hallam Land Management and Persimmon Homes and submitted to Sedgemoor District Council (SDC).

Of the 23 two-bed, 40 three-bed and four four-bedroom homes, the plan says 30 will be 'affordable properties'.

"The concept behind the development remains one of a sensitively designed, well planned scheme which respects the site’s physical setting but also creates a strong relationship with the ongoing expansion of north-east Bridgwater," the application says.

"The proposal holds the ability to seamlessly integrate into the recently developed locality which would provide an attractive edge to this section of the north-eastern expansion.

It 'complements the existing and forthcoming built form' of the area, it adds.

Some 200 parking spaces will be provided for the homes, although the plan is designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

"The proposed layout has been designed to create a safe travel environment for all the road users, particularly facilitating easy access by foot and cycle," it says.

Bridgwater Mercury: PLAN: For 98 new homes in Bridgwater

However, there will be no new play area facilities for young people as part of the scheme, with a nearby play area set to be improved as part of a separate application, and the Willow Man play area, nearby.

"Small areas of informal open space will form part of the built development layout," the application says.

It concludes: "Therefore, the proposed development will provide a residential development that will deliver a full range of tenures and dwelling sizes in accordance with government objectives to meet the needs of the whole community."

Comment son the application are welcome before December 3, 2021.

To view the full plans, and to comment, log on to www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning_online, using application reference 09/21/00030.