Homes refused due to 'poor access to services'

Plans for 180 new homes have been refused by local councillors.

Persimmon Homes Wessex put forward outline plans in March 2022 to build up to 190 new homes on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton.

Following negotiations with Somerset Council's planning officers, the number of homes was reduced to 180 before the proposals came before the planning committee for approval.

But after two years of work, the committee voted to refuse the plans, citing over-development, “poor access to services” and a lack of local employment opportunities.

Of the 180 homes, 54 would have been affordable, meeting the council’s 30% target for any new development of 10 homes or more in the former Mendip district.

Persimmon also promised to provide nearly £84,000 towards new special needs school places in Midsomer Norton, nearly £180,000 towards school transport costs, and just over £80,000 for local GP surgeries.

But a number of people voiced concerns during the council's planning meeting, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Philip Ham said: “I farmed this field in the 1960s and 1970s – it’s one of the best fields in Somerset.

“We’re in a world of food security. We need to keep the best land, and I think this is just one step too far in this area."

Eleanor Jackson was also among the local residents who objected.

In a statement read to the committee on 6 August, she said she was concerned about facilities in Westfield becoming "overstretched", as well as "the inevitable increase in traffic on the A367".

“There is agreement that this not a sustainable location," she said.

After about two hours' of debate, the committee voted to refuse planning permission by six votes to two, with one abstention.

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes Wessex said: “We are very disappointed by the committee’s decision to reject our proposal to deliver 180 much-needed new homes in Midsomer Norton, especially as it contradicted the council planning officer’s recommendation to approve the scheme.

“In light of this decision, we will now take the necessary time to assess our next steps.”

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