Plans for 118 village homes scrapped

Residents are celebrating a “significant victory” after plans to build nearly 120 new homes on a former factory site were defeated.

West Estates Development Ltd twice failed to obtain planning permission to build up to 120 new homes and commercial space on the former Greencore factory site on the B3081 Prestleigh Road in Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

Following the second refusal by Mendip District Council in July 2022, the developer lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate and put forward amended proposals, reducing the number of homes to 118.

The Planning Inspectorate has now thrown out the appeal.

Planning inspector Mike Hayden visited the site earlier this year, and concluded that, while the area needed new homes, "this is a scheme that fails, in so many aspects of its design, to reflect local and national design policies and to respect the distinctive character of Evercreech".

Mr Hayden concluded the harm to local heritage and the negative impact on the character of Evercreech “significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of the proposed development”.

The result has been welcomed by Barry O’Leary, who represented Evercreech and the neighbouring villages on Mendip District Council until its abolition in April 2023.

Mr O’Leary hailed the inspector’s result as “a significant victory for our community”, adding: “This decision is a testament to the value of our collective voice and the importance of preserving the heritage and cultural fabric of our village."

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