Planning permission secured for 280 new homes in Street, Somerset

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:17:00 Z

We have secured planning permission to deliver 280 new homes and major landscape improvements in Street, Somerset. Somerset Council resolved to grant permission for the development, which will include a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes and apartments, all featuring private balconies or gardens. The homes will include an attractive mix of mews houses, apartments, and large family houses.

(A row of thoughtfully designed mews homes within the development)

Of the 280 homes, 84 will be affordable. The majority will be allocated for social rent through Somerset Council’s ‘HomeFinder’ system or available through Shared Ownership, helping first-time buyers and those looking to step onto the property ladder. We are also seeking Homes England funding to convert 11 further homes to social rent, increasing the affordability of the scheme.

Stuart Smith, Director of Technical and Commercial at Curo, said: "As a housing association and housebuilder, our mission is to provide high-quality homes for those who need them most. We’re really proud of the homes we build and excited to offer them to the local community. We want to maximise our impact, so we’ll be applying for additional grant funding to convert 11 more homes to social rent, increasing the number of truly affordable homes within this development."

(A visualisation of the apartment buildings within the scheme, designed to offer high-quality, energy-efficient homes)

The site features extensive green spaces, including a central wetland area with a boardwalk crossing, designed to enhance biodiversity while providing a scenic and tranquil setting for residents. The scheme will also boost local biodiversity by 10% through the creation of orchards, allotments, tree and hedge planting, and additional wildlife habitats. New play areas will also be provided as part of the development.

Peter Roberts, Head of Planning at Curo, added: "This development is located on the southeast edge of Street, so we’ve taken great care to create a scheme that respects the area’s natural beauty while forming an attractive gateway to the village. Working with our architects, we’re excited to bring forward this striking central wetland and boardwalk feature which we are confident will be enjoyed by all residents – both new and old.”

In line with our commitment to sustainability, the new homes will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, incorporating air source heat pumps and solar panels to lower carbon emissions and reduce energy bills. The use of these sustainable tools is expected to offset an estimated 228 tonnes of CO₂ annually – equivalent to the carbon absorption of around 6,800 mature trees. Every home will also include an electric vehicle charging point, supporting greener transport options.

(A key ecological feature of the development, the wetland area enhances biodiversity while providing a scenic and peaceful space for the community.)

The scheme includes key infrastructure improvements such as new access arrangements, a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, and phosphate mitigation measures. We will also provide significant financial contributions towards education and highway upgrades as part of the planning agreement.

We acquired the site from Nine Square Trust in November 2023 and expects to start construction in late 2025. The scheme has been designed in collaboration with David Rhodes Architects, Focus and Tumu Engineers, Landmark Landscape Architects, Tyler Grange Ecologists and Darren Evans Sustainability Consultants.

Curo announces plans for 280 new homes in Street

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:27:36 Z

(Image: An artist’s rendering of the development – showcasing a residential street with parking and new homes)

Curo has announced plans to build up to 280 new homes on land in Street. The development will offer a diverse range of housing options with 30 per cent of the scheme earmarked for affordable housing.

Situated along Somerton Road in the southeast of Street, the site is bordered by residential areas to the north and open green space to the south, creating a blend of natural and urban landscapes. As part of the proposals for the scheme, Curo has committed to enhancing Street’s rich natural environment and will be including a central wetland area as a focal point of the development.

“We’re delighted to announce our upcoming development at Somerton Road in Street. We’ve worked closely with Nine Square Trust and the Council to ensure that this scheme reflects the principles of the outline planning consent,” says Charlotte Cooper, Head of Land at Curo.

“We plan to enhance the biodiversity on site by 10% by developing additional habitats with tree and hedge planting and the creation of wetlands and improved grassland. We look forward to delivering a high-quality, sustainable, legacy scheme with thoughtful design and place-making at its heart."

(Image: An artist’s rendering of the development – showcasing the wetlands in the foreground and the new homes behind)

The scheme will also offer new play areas and boardwalks for families to enjoy, as well as community orchards and allotments for those with green fingers. Homes in Street will be highly sustainable, with air source heat pumps and solar panels for heat and power.

(Pictured: An artist’s rendering of the new homes located next to the urban allotments)

Stuart Smith, Technical Director at Curo, highlights the sustainability and energy efficiency measures integrated into the scheme, noting, "Our new homes in Street will maximise both efficiency and sustainability using the latest technology.”

“As well as creating new community orchards and allotments, we’re targeting a circa 75% reduction in carbon emissions from the homes compared to baseline levels utilising a “fabric first” approach. Complementing this, the homes will feature high-efficiency air source heat pumps for heating and hot water and solar panels to harness renewable energy and keep energy costs down. Additionally, each home will be equipped with electric vehicle charging points.”

Stuart explains what this means for future residents, stating, "Our designs have been thoughtfully planned to meet the very latest standards for housing. We take immense pride in providing these enhanced sustainability features, that will not only contribute to a healthier environment but also deliver tangible benefits for our residents by reducing their energy bills.”

A virtual tour of the development is available below. Click to take a walk through a CGI render of the plans for the site!

Curo acquired the site in Street from Nine Square Trust in November 2023 and is hoping to start construction in 2025. To bring the vision to life, Curo has assembled a talented team of designers and consultants, including David Rhodes Architects, Focus Engineers, Landmark Landscape Architects, and Tyler Grange Ecologists.

Curo News

Planning permission secured for 280 new homes in Street, Somerset

Curo announces plans for 280 new homes in Street