Underhill Lane, in Midsomer Norton, could see two social houses knocked down to make room for sixty new homes, if Curo’s plans are given the go-ahead, despite a judicial review instructing Mendip Council to remove the site from their plans.

Curo, a West of England housing association, have put in revised plans to build the homes, including 30% affordable housing, on the land between Underhill Farm and Orchard Vale to the Local Planning Authority.

According to B&NES Council Planning Services, Curo’s proposal would see the demolition of number 26 and 28 Orchard Vale, Midsomer Norton, with the ‘development of 60 new homes with open space, landscaping and all associated infrastructure (Cross Boundary Application with Mendip).’

Midsomer Norton Redfield Ward Councillor, Shaun Hughes, who has spoken against the developments at both Mendip and B&NES Planning Committees, told The Journal it was: “Absolutely ridiculous! This application to demolish social housing in B&NES to build houses in Mendip (now Somerset) has received one of the highest levels of complaints in our areas history and more than one hundred and fifty written objections.

“There are huge concerns with the site including flooding, the effect on wildlife habitat and completely unsuitable access, and the fact that a Judge has ordered Mendip to remove this site from their local plan during a recent judicial review.

“Curo tell us that they pride themselves in being part of and listening to the community, clearly this is not the case in this instance, surely Curo should be aware of the huge pressure our local services are already under? Our doctors and dental practices are full, our infrastructure can not cope.

“The developments residents will pay Council Tax to Mendip and therefore make no contribution to the infrastructure and services they will use in Midsomer Norton. Of the sixty homes, only nineteen will be affordable/social and these will be allocated to residents from areas such as Frome and Shepton Mallet, not Midsomer Norton.

“Our area does not have the additional jobs to support this level of Mendip housing and is therefore likely to increase serious commuting issues we are trying to address between Midsomer Norton and Bath /Bristol and will have a negative impact on our ability to achieve our climate emergency objectives.

“Of course, the irreplaceable loss of our valuable green space is a vital factor, destruction of this green space and additional light pollution will have a negative impact on wildlife, including the resident bat population of which several are protected species.

“In summary, this development offers financial benefits to both Mendip (Somerset) Council and Curo, however, it offers nothing to our community, therefore we will continue to fight this application.

“I will arrange another residents meeting shortly to review our next steps.”

Nearly two hundred residents have objected to the plans, which were originally applied for in July 2022.

To keep up-to-date with the Underhill Lane plans, visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=22%2F02932%2FFUL#details_Section

The Journal approached Curo and are awaiting comment.