Wells 100-home Elm Close estate moves towards launch

By Laura Linham 27th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

A 100-home estate on the western edge of Wells is moving closer to launch, with a site plan now unveiled for The Elms off Elm Close. David Wilson Redrow South West said properties at the development will be released for sale next month.

For anyone trying to keep track of housing plans around Elm Close, this is the big one south of the road, not the separate 47-home Acorn Property Group scheme near Gipsy Lane.

The Elms is the long-running 100-home scheme first brought forward by Gladman Developments, with outline plans submitted in 2019. The application was later caught up in Somerset's phosphates planning delays before Somerset Council approved the scheme in December 2023.

The development will include three, four and five-bedroom homes, with access from a new junction on Elm Close. David Wilson Redrow said the site will also include 40 affordable homes, meeting Somerset Council's target of 30 per cent affordable housing within the former Mendip area.

The sales launch comes as the western edge of Wells remains under close attention from developers, residents and planners. Nearby proposals include the separate 47-home Acorn scheme near Gipsy Lane, the New House Farm site off Haybridge Hill and wider land being tested through Somerset's emerging Local Plan.

The developer said The Elms will include photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and water and energy-saving technology.

There will be changes on the ground as well as new homes. A footpath and cycle lane are planned along the northern edge of the development, two existing public footpaths to Burcott Lane are due to be upgraded, and three pedestrian crossings are planned on Elm Close, including one linking towards the New House Farm site.

The scheme will also contribute more than £840,000 through Section 106 agreements towards local facilities, infrastructure and other community measures.

Louise Ware, sales director for David Wilson Redrow South West, said the company was "excited" to bring its homes to Wells. She said The Elms had been designed to provide modern homes in a historic city, with access to local shops, cafés, landmarks, countryside and transport links towards Bristol, Bath and beyond.

She added: "We'd encourage anyone interested in finding out more about The Elms to register their interest via the development's website ahead of the launch."