Somerton Road

Creating a new community while uncovering the story of an ancient one.

Client

Abri Group Ltd

Location

Huish Episcopi, Langport, Somerset

RIBA Work Stages

3-5

Services

Town Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture

Proposed site layout

Overview

Following the grant of outline planning permission for up to 100 dwellings, BoonBrown was appointed by Abri Group Ltd to secure Reserved Matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the development. The site presented a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed affordable housing while creating a sustainable and attractive extension to the Langport community.

The ambition extended beyond housing delivery alone. From the outset, the focus was on creating a neighbourhood that would foster a sense of belonging, encourage community interaction and provide high-quality homes within a landscape-led setting. The design sought to balance local housing need with careful placemaking, creating an environment where residents could put down roots and thrive.

Planning challenges

Balancing the delivery of 100 affordable homes with community aspirations, landscape sensitivity and local character.

Located on a prominent gateway site on the eastern approach to Langport, the development sought to deliver 100 affordable homes while responding sensitively to its rural setting and neighbouring community. The scheme needed to achieve a high-quality design that reflected local character, integrate significant landscape infrastructure, address drainage and biodiversity requirements, and navigate the planning process efficiently to support the delivery of much-needed affordable housing.

As a greenfield site on the edge of the settlement, the proposals attracted local scrutiny. At the same time, planning conditions required extensive pre-commencement investigations, including archaeological fieldwork, before development could proceed. Condition 6 of the outline consent specifically required archaeological trenching and field investigation ahead of construction.

Our approach

Developing a landscape-led masterplan informed by community engagement and local context.

BoonBrown worked closely with Abri and the wider consultant team to secure Reserved Matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the development following the grant of outline planning permission.

The proposals were shaped around a landscape-led masterplan, creating a distinctive and organic layout inspired by the surrounding Somerset vernacular. Generous green corridors, public open space, play areas, sustainable drainage features and extensive planting were integrated throughout the scheme to establish a strong sense of place and support biodiversity.

Alongside the design process, the project team coordinated a programme of archaeological investigations undertaken as part of the outline planning requirements. The site had previously undergone geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation before a larger-scale pre-development excavation was carried out ahead of construction.

Site History

Unearthing a hidden chapter of Langport's past

During the archaeological excavation, significant heritage assets were uncovered, revealing evidence of settlement and agricultural activity spanning multiple periods. Archaeologists identified the remains of a Roman villa comprising six rooms and a corridor, alongside evidence of rainwater collection and drainage systems. The excavation also revealed a Bronze Age or Early Iron Age roundhouse, grain storage pits, a corn dryer, artefacts, burials and other features associated with a wider farming estate.

The discoveries provided a remarkable insight into the historic landscape of Huish Episcopi and demonstrated the importance of integrating heritage-led investigations within the development process. Through close collaboration between Abri, Somerset Council and the archaeological team, the findings were fully investigated and recorded before development progressed.

Outcome

Securing approval for an affordable neighbourhood that delivers lasting social and environmental benefits.

Reserved Matters approval was secured for a carefully considered scheme delivering 100 high-quality affordable homes, including homes for social rent and shared ownership, together with extensive landscape enhancements and community infrastructure. The development will provide much-needed housing while creating an attractive new neighbourhood that connects successfully with Langport and Huish Episcopi.

The project also demonstrates how responsible development can contribute to a deeper understanding of local heritage. By successfully accommodating archaeological investigations alongside the planning and design process, the scheme has preserved an important record of the site’s past while helping address future housing needs. The result is a development that not only delivers homes for local people but also leaves a lasting legacy through the discovery and documentation of a previously unknown chapter in Somerset’s history.