More than 100 new homes could be built on the edge of Shepton Mallet.

Redrow Homes has put forward outline plans to build 125 new properties on Old Wells Road on the western edge of Shepton Mallet.

The house-builder originally planned 133 homes on the site, but following a consultation held last year, has now submitted a proposal for 125 dwellings instead.

The site lies to the west of the town's West Shepton playing fields, which are the home of Shepton Mallet AFC, and is currently in active agricultural use.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of the year.

The site lies opposite the existing properties leading off St Peter's Road and less than a mile from the town's community hospital.

Access to the new development would be via Old Wells Road, with the homes being concentrated near the northern end of the site.

The southernmost part of the site will be set aside for communal green space – including a community orchard, play area, micro-allotments and a kickabout space.

Pedestrian access will be provided to the site from the existing lanes to the west and south of the site, with further green space being provided at the north-east corner leading onto Old Wells Road.

Redrow described the proposals as "a limited residential extension on the western fringe of the town" – even though the site was not included within the council's last Local Plan.

A Redrow spokesman said: "There are opportunities to enhance the tree cover along the northwestern boundary of the site to reinforce the character of the rural approach into the settlement.

"The development will positively contribute to the growth of the local economy by providing new homes.

"The site is in an accessible and sustainable location with access to public transport, essential services and pedestrian routes. The development will provide much-needed affordable homes for the area."

Redrow has not confirmed at this stage how many of the new homes will be affordable.

The developer is currently delivering the Woodborough Grange development in Winscombe, and is also in line to deliver the first stage of the Staplegrove urban extension in Taunton, though planning permission has not yet been granted.

It is not currently known whether the plans will become before Mendip's planning board for public deliberation.