Brownfield site housing approved despite appeal

Dozens of new homes will be built on a key brownfield site nearly four years after an appeal over its fate was first launched.

Castle Cary (BMI) Ltd applied back in 2018 to redevelop the former BMI complex on the A371 Cumnock Road in Castle Cary, Somerset.

But in 2019, South Somerset District Council twice voted to refuse the plans for 81 homes, a decision which was subsequently upheld by the planning inspectorate.

A different inspector, Roger Catchpole, has now ruled in the developer’s favour, meaning construction could begin early in the new year.

Mr Catchpole argued the scheme would improve the appearance of the derelict site and be in keeping with the town’s conservation area.

"Its use would promote the more effective use of land to meet the need for homes," he added.

The original plans envisioned 70 new homes being built on the brownfield site, with the remaining 11 dwellings being delivered by converting the existing mill buildings.

Mr Catchpole was somewhat concerned about a Grade-II listed mill building, which dates back to 1851, being converted into four homes through vertical subdivision, something the previous inspector had highlighted.

Despite this, Mr Catchpole added: "The sympathetic use of materials, coherent design approach and the stepping down of scale is such that I find no harm would be caused to the setting, as it contributes to the significance, of nearby listed buildings or the conservation area."

He also found the redevelopment would moderately improve public accessibility to the heritage assets and improve their condition.

In addition to 11 affordable homes, the developer will provide more than £411,000 towards local school places, just over £100,000 towards new play area equipment, more than £61,000 towards changing rooms and just over £17,000 towards youth facilities in the town.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.