A developer has appealed a decision to reject plans for more than 70 new homes in Colford, meaning the future of the site will now be decided at a public inquiry.
The village is already set to expand in the coming years, with Gladman Developments’ plans for 63 homes on the eastern side of Anchor Road being approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate in October 2021.
Rainier Developments Ltd. put forward outline proposals in late-February 2024 for a further 75 homes on the opposite side of Anchor Road, proposals which were refused by Somerset Council in late-November 2024.
The developer has now lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, with the issue expected to be settled through a public inquiry in mid-June.
The site comprises a rough triangle at the northern edge of the village, bordered on its northern side by Brewery Lane, which leads to the neighbouring village of Holcombe.
Access would be from Anchor Road via a new junction near the existing homes on the western side of the road, off-setting the traffic from the planned entrance to the Gladman site (which is currently up for sale).
Large amounts of public open space will be provided at the western edge of the site, with two attenuation ponds being installed near Brewery Lane.
The developer, which is based in Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire, intends for 23 of the 75 new homes to be affordable – meeting the council’s target of 30 per cent affordable homes in any new major development in the former Mendip area.
The site was deemed “unsuitable” for development before 2029 as part of an ongoing review of the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which is expected to be completed by the summer following public hearings in mid-March.
The council refused the plans through the delegated powers of its planning officers, rather than a public decision by its planning committee east.
Chief planning officer Alison Blom-Cooper admitted that the council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, making it more difficult for councillors and officers to refuse new housing plans. However, she argued that the development would cause “substantial harm” for several reasons.
She said its location, far from larger towns, would lead to increased car use and “significant harmful travel patterns.” She also warned that the development would erode the village’s “local identity and distinctiveness” through urbanisation and the loss of hedgerows.
The developer has argued in its formal appeal case that there would be no “adverse” impact on the village’s character, and the proposals had only “some limited conflict” with the council’s existing planning policies.
The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed this appeal will be settled through a public inquiry, which is scheduled to begin on June 10 and will include a site visit.
To make a formal representation ahead of the inquiry, visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and quote reference number 3358746 before March 25.