Revised plans have been put forward to build more than 50 new homes near a Somerset doctors’ surgery.

Hannick Homes was granted permission in January 2020 to build 53 new homes on Houlgate Way in Axbridge, on land adjoining Axbridge and Wedmore Medical Practice.

Progress on delivering the site has been delayed by legal technicalities, with the relevant agreements only being signed off in January 2022.

Since then, the site has been sold to Bellway Homes (South West) Ltd., which has now submitted revised proposals to Sedgemoor District Council.

The site, which lies at the western edge of the town, is outside of the Axbridge settlement boundary and is not allocated for housing or any other form of development within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2032.

Two access points onto Houlgate Way will be provided, with new play equipment being provided at the northern edge and 14 visitor spaces being built near the doctors’ surgery.

Of the 53 new homes being proposed within what has been dubbed ‘Lavender RIse’, 15 will be affordable – just below the council’s target of 30 per cent affordable homes for any new development of ten homes or more.

A spokesman for Grass Roots Planning (representing the Bristol-based applicant) said: “Bellway intends to commence construction on the site as soon as possible following the approval of reserved matters and discharge of any pre-commencement conditions.

“The appearance of individual dwellings has been taken into consideration and a traditional design approach adopted, with characteristics reflective of that found in the local vernacular.

“.We commend the application to the council for approval to allow this site to deliver much-needed open market and affordable housing in a timely manner.”

The site lies a short distance from both the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and the Strawberry Lane active travel route, which runs through the town and provides a connection to Cheddar and Winscombe.

Bellway Homes South West is currently delivering the Peregrine View development of 60 homes on Hellier’s Lane in neighbouring Cheddar, following approval being granted by councillors in May 2021.

The council is expected to make a decision on the Axbridge plans early in the new year, meaning construction could begin by the early summer.