'Cheeky' plan for 47 new homes pushed back

A decision to build nearly 50 new homes has been pushed back due to “very poor” access arrangements.

Wells LVA LLP and Little Burcott Ltd applied in August 2023 for outline permission to build 47 new homes on the B3139 Elm Close, near Wells, with planning officers recommending that permission be granted.

Somerset Council’s planning committee voted to defer a decision, to see if alternative access to the site could be secured, with councillor Ros Wyke describing the current plans as “cheeky” and “quite outrageous, to acquire land when they haven’t even spoken to the landowner".

LVA LLP was approached for comment.

Under the current proposals, the existing junction with Gypsy Lane would be completely remodelled to create a new T-junction.

Stephen Morfey, who lives on Gypsy Lane with his family, said the development would make it harder for existing residents to safely enter and exit their properties.

He said: “Pulling out onto Elm Close is dangerous due to limited visibility, and turning down Gypsy Lane is a real safety hazard.

“There was an accident outside my house in the last few weeks which involved the emergency services and helicopter support – accident debris remains there today."

Councillor Jim Reeves said there were doubts whether the access could be safely delivered due to land ownership issues.

He said: “Without the ownership rights of the whole lane, it is difficult to see how their proposals could be carried out.”

Wyke added the plans were "very poor" at this stage.

“The proposals are really at best cheeky and actually quite outrageous," the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

After more than an hour’s debate, the committee voted to delay a decision on the plans by eight votes to one, with one abstention.

The earliest meeting at which the plans can next be considered will be held on 5 November.

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