Prince William's estate launches bid to build 620 homes and a school as crunch vote looms
Councillors on Somerset Council are set to give the go-ahead to plans on Tuesday
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Prince William's estate has launched a bid to build 620 homes in Somerset.
The proposal will see the Duchy of Cornwall and CG Fry and Son Ltd develop the Mid Somerset Showground in Shepton Mallet.
The plans also include building a new primary school, a care home, and a nursery.
Somerset Council approved the application in September 2025, but councillors must vote on the plans again on Tuesday to ensure any possible river pollution is reduced.
Prince William's estate has launched the bid | PASome 12,000 homes are currently blocked from being built across Somerset following a court ruling due to high levels of phosphate in water courses.
The applicants first submitted a bid to build the development in July 2018 and were granted outline planning permission in 2025.
The land forms part of the Duchy of Cornwall estate, according to a design and access statement.
If approved, construction of the first homes could start in 2027.

The proposal will see the Duchy of Cornwall and CG Fry and Son Ltd develop the Mid Somerset Showground in Shepton Mallet
|PA
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In 2020, a European Court of Justice ruling required all development plans to be reviewed to determine whether they increase pollutant levels, such as phosphates, entering watercourses.
When the application was considered in September 2025, it was decided that the proposers needed to demonstrate they had purchased sufficient credits to reduce pollution levels in the Somerset Levels, for the plans to be given the green light.
Phosphate levels are high in the Somerset Moors and Levels, with large quantities in rivers and lakes, depriving plants and animals of oxygen.
A so-called credit system was made in 2022, which meant developers could pay for mitigation to reduce the impact of new homes.

Somerset Council are set to approve plans on Tuesday
| WIKIMEDIA COMMONSHowever, since the approval in September, the council claimed credits have become "more readily available", therefore the Reservation Notice is no longer required.
Instead, the conditions are being changed to ensure the applicants assess the development's nutrient neutrality and tell the council how they will reduce phosphate levels.
Councillors are being requested to re-approve the application to include the newly worded conditions on Tuesday.
The site is designed to deliver the majority of Shepton Mallet's new housing over 10 years.

William's estate's bid will see 620 homes built
|PA
Nearly £258,000 will be delegated to special needs schooling in the Shepton area.
Some £276,000 will go to the Grove House Surgery and the Park Medical Practice.
New walking and cycling links will be provided throughout the site, and a new pedestrian crossing will be made over the A371.
About £25,000 is being provided for improvements to the Strawberry Line or other local active travel projects.
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