Weston-super-Mare, a famous UK seaside town in Somerset, is set to expand significantly with plans for up to 2,000 new homes on the former site of RAF Locking. Developer Vistry has received approval for the first phase, which includes 229 dwellings and retail premises at Locking Parklands, just outside the town.
Masterplan and Development Details
The project is part of a masterplan from Homes England, the government's housing and regeneration arm. Subject to further planning permissions, the entire development could see 2,000 new homes built on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare. The site was previously used to train radar, radio, and computer engineers before RAF Locking closed in 2000.
Affordable Housing and Community Infrastructure
Vistry's development includes a mix of housing, with half designated as affordable. According to the Bristol Post, Locking Parklands already has 600 homes, a GP surgery, and two schools, one of which claims to be the area's first net-zero school. Susan Scholfield, regional managing director at Vistry Bristol, said: "We’re delighted to be contributing more than 200 new homes to the wider Locking Parklands regeneration site." She added that with 50% of the homes offered at affordable tenures, the developer will make a "significant contribution" to the supply of such homes and provide locals with a range of housing.
Timeline and Future Plans
Construction is expected to begin by the end of this month, with an estimated completion date of early 2030. Sam Gammon from Homes England said the new homes, schools, and surgery will form a "vibrant" village centre.
Vistry's Financial Challenges
News of the planning permission comes amid financial difficulties for Vistry. The housebuilder warned of a half-year loss of around £30 million, compared to profits of £40.9 million a year ago, causing shares to tumble as much as 12% in early trading. Vistry recently completed a voluntary redundancy programme, with less than 5% of its 4,500 directly-employed workforce leaving, delivering savings of £25 million. More cost cuts are expected under an overhaul led by CEO Adam Daniels. The company attributed worsening market conditions between April and June to "increased uncertainty and lower customer confidence triggered by the Middle East conflict." Vistry cautioned: "Although we would welcome some demand-side stimulus, we are not anticipating a significant change in open market conditions in the second half, or in early 2027." Despite the first-half loss, Vistry said it remains on track with expectations for underlying pre-tax profits of £200 million, excluding any impacts from the CEO's review, which is expected to lead to "further one-off profit impacts."
