PLANS to build up to 400 homes at the Watchet paper Mill site have been unveiled by planning developers.

Tameer Homes, part of the Tameer Group, are the new owners of the former Wansbrough Paper Mill, and are currently preparing a mixed-use outline planning application for commercial and residential re-development.

A number of pre-application meetings have been held with officers from Somerset West and Taunton Council as well as the Environment Agency to discuss potential new land uses for this 17 hectare (41 acre) brownfield site on the edge of Watchet.

An illustrative concept land use masterplan has been prepared by JB Planning Associates who are advising the new owners.

A key aspect of the site’s redevelopment is the creation of new jobs through the construction of around 5,600 sq m of mixed employment uses, a new local centre including an apart hotel, start-up incubator units for small businesses, leisure facilities and a new Residential Care village.

Somerset County Gazette:

The site could also deliver up to 400 new homes across a mix of houses and flats.

Numerous watercourses and culverts run through the former mill which is partly within the flood plain.

An existing culvert will be opened up, creating a new river through the site with ecological and landscape enhancements.

New walking and cycle routes will also be created for the enjoyment of both new and existing residents.

Due to the size of the site the owners believe it is likely that new development will be delivered in phases.

Tameer Homes plan to develop the commercial uses and may partner with a house builder to complete the residential housing.

There are a number of former mill buildings which might be re-utilised in the short term for temporary uses.

These include potential re-use by Biohm, an innovative research and development start-up company who are interested in re-using one of the former mill buildings for manufacturing construction products from organic waste.

A public consultation exhibition is being held on April 26 and 27, at The Sanctuary, 38 Swain Street, Watchet,where Tameer Homes will be interested to hear views from local people on the outline proposals.

Following this, Tameer will be looking to submit an outline planning application to Somerset West and Taunton Council in early Summer.

Somerset County Gazette:

Angela Chilcott captured this image of demolition last spring