Dozens of new homes could be built on the western edge of Midsomer if new plans are approved by district councillors.

Curo Enterprise Ltd. staged a public consultation in March and April over plans for a new development of up to 58 homes on the Underhill Farm site in Midsomer Norton.

The Bath-based developer has now submitted formal plans to Mendip District Council, which involve the demolition of two of its existing properties on Orchard Vale to make room for the access road.

The council is expected to make a decision on the proposals before the end of the year.

The site lies between Underhill Lane and the existing homes on Orchard Vale, a short distance from the Underhill Wood local wildlife reserve.

To prevent the woodland from being damaged, 26 and 28 Orchard Vale (which are managed by Curo) will be demolished to create an access road, and will be replaced within the site – providing a total of 60 homes ranging from two- to four-bedroom in size.

Of these 60 homes, 19 will be affordable homes, with the majority of these being social rent – comfortably exceeding the council's target for 30 per cent affordable homes for any new development of ten homes or more.

This is the site in question : Image Google Maps

A spokesman for Barton Willmore (representing the applicant) said: "The site is located in an advantageous position, affording it access to a range of travel choices including foot, cycle, bus and vehicular options around the vicinity of the site.

"Although there are no public rights of way within the site, there are alternatives which allow pedestrians low traffic movements to local amenities and facilities.

"Midsomer Norton offers a broad number of shops, food outlets and healthcare locations throughout the towns centre.

"Recreational facilities including Welton Rover Football Club, Dragonfly Leisure Centre and a vast range of sports amenities are also located in vicinity of the site."

While Midsomer Norton lies within the remit of Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES), the site is one of three allocated within Mendip's Local Plan Part II to deliver new housing on the edge of the town.

The council's planning board voted unanimously in July to approve plans for 270 homes near the White Post Inn on the A367 Green Park Road, with councillors describing the plans as "very promising" and praising the "fantastic green buffer" around the new homes.

This development will connect up with both the existing homes to the north and a development of 75 homes immediately to the south, which was approved by the Planning Inspectorate in February.

The third Local Plan Part II site, on the eastern side of the A367, could end up being developed by Persimmon Homes Wessex if plans for 190 homes are approved in the coming months.

The council is expected to make a decision on the Underhill Farm proposals before the end of the year – though it is not yet clear whether the plans will come before the planning board for public discussion.

Curo is shortly to begin construction on the Keyford Meadows site on Sandys Hill Lane in Frome, after plans for 198 new homes were approved by the planning board in February.