News
December 06, 2025
Plans for 150 homes near A303 in Ilminster scrapped
Nearly six years after plans were first put forward, Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd. has dropped plans to redevelop the former Horlicks site.
**Ilminster Residents Celebrate as Housing Development Plans Near A303 Canceled**
Ilminster residents are breathing a collective sigh of relief as Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd. has officially withdrawn its plans to build 150 homes on the former Horlicks site near the A303. The decision marks the end of a lengthy and often contentious process that began nearly six years ago.
The proposed development, intended for a prominent location just off the A303, had faced numerous hurdles and significant local opposition since its inception. While the need for housing in the area is acknowledged, concerns were consistently raised regarding the scale and impact of the project on the surrounding environment and existing infrastructure.
The Horlicks site, once a thriving industrial hub, has remained largely dormant in recent years. Dairygold's initial proposal aimed to transform the area into a residential community, offering much-needed homes in the Somerset town. However, the plans were met with resistance from residents who voiced worries about increased traffic congestion on the already busy A303, the potential strain on local services like schools and healthcare, and the overall impact on the character of Ilminster.
Throughout the planning process, Dairygold engaged in consultations with the local community and authorities, attempting to address some of the concerns raised. However, despite these efforts, a consensus could not be reached, and the project remained a point of contention.
While Dairygold has not released a detailed statement outlining the reasons for abandoning the project, the cancellation is seen by many as a victory for local residents who actively campaigned against the development. The future of the Horlicks site remains uncertain. However, residents are hopeful that any future proposals will be more sensitive to the needs of the community and the unique characteristics of Ilminster. The focus now shifts to exploring alternative options for the site that could benefit the town without compromising its quality of life. The withdrawal of the housing development plans opens up the possibility for new discussions and a fresh approach to the redevelopment of this important location.
Ilminster residents are breathing a collective sigh of relief as Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd. has officially withdrawn its plans to build 150 homes on the former Horlicks site near the A303. The decision marks the end of a lengthy and often contentious process that began nearly six years ago.
The proposed development, intended for a prominent location just off the A303, had faced numerous hurdles and significant local opposition since its inception. While the need for housing in the area is acknowledged, concerns were consistently raised regarding the scale and impact of the project on the surrounding environment and existing infrastructure.
The Horlicks site, once a thriving industrial hub, has remained largely dormant in recent years. Dairygold's initial proposal aimed to transform the area into a residential community, offering much-needed homes in the Somerset town. However, the plans were met with resistance from residents who voiced worries about increased traffic congestion on the already busy A303, the potential strain on local services like schools and healthcare, and the overall impact on the character of Ilminster.
Throughout the planning process, Dairygold engaged in consultations with the local community and authorities, attempting to address some of the concerns raised. However, despite these efforts, a consensus could not be reached, and the project remained a point of contention.
While Dairygold has not released a detailed statement outlining the reasons for abandoning the project, the cancellation is seen by many as a victory for local residents who actively campaigned against the development. The future of the Horlicks site remains uncertain. However, residents are hopeful that any future proposals will be more sensitive to the needs of the community and the unique characteristics of Ilminster. The focus now shifts to exploring alternative options for the site that could benefit the town without compromising its quality of life. The withdrawal of the housing development plans opens up the possibility for new discussions and a fresh approach to the redevelopment of this important location.
Category:
Politics