The Church Commissioners, stewards of Church of England investments, have been actively engaging with local stakeholders in Wells regarding the potential development of a new housing scheme on the Palace Farm site.

This area, situated off Silver Street and currently hosting farm buildings and the Palace Farm Car Wash, is under consideration for a significant transformation.

In recent developments, the Church Commissioners presented their preliminary plans to Wells city councillors.

They also held informal discussions with members of The Bishop's Palace team and representatives from the Wells Civic Society. The initial proposal includes the construction of up to 300 houses, positioned in the area currently occupied by the farm structures and adjacent land near the existing housing estate by Morrisons.

At this juncture, the Church Commissioners have not moved forward with a formal planning application. Their strategy involves closely working with Somerset Council and aligning their plans with the council's emerging local plan. The organisation emphasised the preliminary nature of these discussions, noting that even with council support for the proposal, actual construction work on the site would not commence for several years.

A key aspect of the proposal is the preservation and potential enhancement of the Deer Park area near The Bishop's Palace. The development scheme does not include construction on this historic parkland, and there are considerations for its improvement as part of the overall project, which could bring additional benefits to Wells.

Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land Investment at the Church Commissioners, elaborated on the vision for the site: "We have been considering how the land might be brought forward for various uses, as part of Somerset Council's emerging local plan. The site could include new homes for the city, both open market and affordable, and could also deliver other benefits to the community, including car parking for the city and new areas of open space."

"We are right at the start of the process. At this point, we are interested in sharing our vision for the site with local stakeholders and to hear their views and thoughts on the emerging proposals."