A developer hoping to build 620 homes on the edge of Shepton Mallet could be asked to pay more than £8.6 million towards schools, GP surgeries and other local facilities.

CG Fry and Sons has submitted outline plans to Somerset Council for a huge new estate off Cannard's Grave Road on the old Mid Somerset Showground site.

The proposal includes a new primary school, a care home, a local centre, green space, and a permanent home for the Mid Somerset Show. Construction could begin in 2027 if the scheme gets the green light.

But the council says the developer must either build the school itself or pay £8.14m towards early years and primary education.

On top of that, it could also be expected to contribute over £500,000 to support SEND education and help expand Grove House Surgery and Park Medical Practice, which are both already full.

The plan goes before Somerset Council's planning committee east on Monday 1 September and is being recommended for approval. If given the go-ahead, 30 per cent of the homes would be classed as affordable housing.

In a report to councillors, planning officers say the development offers "substantial benefits", including new homes, commercial space, and community facilities. "No significant planning concerns have been identified that would outweigh these benefits," the report adds.

However, not everyone is convinced. Opponents say the scheme could put pressure on local jobs, cause the loss of green space, and damage the town centre.

An estimated 963 new residents are expected if the development goes ahead.

Shepton Mallet Town Council supports the application, with some conditions. And the Somerset Quality Review Panel described the site as "an exceptional opportunity" to deliver high-quality housing, praising the designs while noting there's room for improvement.