PLANS for nearly 600 new homes across south Somerset could be given the nod before the summer is over.

Most local councils tend to take a break in August, with fewer meetings being held and fewer big decisions being taken.

But while councillors are enjoying a summer break, council officers are still having to look at planning applications and make decisions within a matter of weeks.

This summer, a number of sizeable housing developments have come across planning officers’ desk – and others have been waiting for a decision for some time.

Here are seven major housing developments, totalling 596 homes, which could get the go-ahead in south Somerset before the autumn gets into full swing:

  • 200 homes on Tatworth Road in Chard: Outline planning permission was granted to Gladman Developments for this site in August 2017, but is has since changed hands after being purchased by the Kier Group. This site forms part of the Chard Eastern Development Area (CEDA), along with another site between Tatworth Road and Forton Road which has been earmarked for 315 homes. This development will include 70 affordable homes, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with access being from both Forton Road and the A358 Tatworth Road. Decision expected: September 17
  • 150 homes on Lang Road in Crewkerne:  These online plans have been brought forward by Land Value Alliances, which previously had a role in delivering 40 homes in Castle Cary and 250 homes in the creation of Cranbrook in Devon. The plans would see the development of a sizeable area of agricultural land at the southern edge of Crewkerne, not far from the railway line. The site does not lie within the Crewkerne key site identified in South Somerset District Council’s Local Plan. Decision expected: September 4
  • 81 homes on Cumnock Road in Castle Cary: Unlike some of the developments on this list, these plans involve the redevelopment of a brownfield site. Out of the 81 properties proposed for the former BMI factory, 70 will be built from scratch and the remaining 11 will be created by converting existing listed buildings on the site. The majority of the new dwellings will be two- or three-bedroom homes, with 175 parking spaces being laid on in total. Decision expected: September 5
  • 50 homes on Cherry Pie Lane in Sparkford: The second application by Land Value Alliances also concerns a greenfield site, albeit rather smaller than the one in Crewkerne. This site lies outside of the village centre, over the railway line and  to the east of the Haynes publishing site (which also has outline permission for 47 homes). Out of the 50 homes which the company wishes to construct here, 18 will be ‘affordable’, with a 50:50 split between social rent and intermediate housing. Decision expected: unknown (original deadline was June 8)
  • 41 homes on Leach Road in Chard: Chataway House was originally constructed as offices, as part of an employment area which also includes Mann Hummel and the 1610 leisure centre. But the building has been vacant for many years, and Energy Drop Zone Ltd – which is based in High Ham near Langport – wishes to turn it into flats while retaining the parking. Permission was previously granted to turn this office block into 16 and subsequently 26 flats, but the developer has come back with a revised proposal for 41.  Decision expected: August 16
  • 39 homes on Shiremoor Hill in Merriott: The Stonewater housing association is looking to deliver 39 homes on this greenfield site, of which 14 will be affordable. A total of 93 parking spaces will be provided, with the homes ranging from two to five bedrooms in size. The houses will be designed to match neighbouring properties. Decision expected: September 17
  • 35 homes on Broadway Road in Broadway: This small village to the west of Ilminster could soon see new homes at the western end of its main road. Applicant Nick Warfield has applied for outline permission for 35 homes, providing 113 parking spaces on the greenfield site which lies near the village’s cricket club. The applicant previously put forward plans for 46 homes on the site, but later withdrew this proposal.  Decision expected: unknown (original deadline was July 25)

Most planning applications have to be decided within eight weeks from their submission, though “unusually large or complex” plans – for instance, for thousands of homes and employment land – can be decided within 13 weeks.

South Somerset District Council currently has a month-long backlog in getting planning applications validated.

A spokesperson said: “The backlog has not led to any decisions being taken on the basis of non-determination, and all comments are being uploaded to the planning portal on our website.”