60-dwelling Somerset proposal creates Council-officer clash

A 60-dwelling proposal for Westbury-sub-Mendip will be brought forward at Somerset Councils planning committee today. The proposal is being recommended for approval by the planning officer, whilst Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council is objecting.

The proposal, brought forward by Church Commissioners for England, with Lichfields acting as agent, seeks outline permission, with all matters reserved except for access.

Whilst the proposal is in early stages, it will be bound to obligations such as the provision of 30 percent Affordable Housing, a Traffic Regulation order on the A371 to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, and financial contributions towards local education and NHS services.

Planning officer recommendation

The planning officer recommends permission to be granted subject to a Section 106 Agreement, and conditions set out in the committee report.

The key reasons for recommendation include its compatibility with the areas current Five-Year Housing Land supply, provision of community land, an absence of detriment to amenities, and the inclusion of the speed limit reduction on the A371 to increase safety for pedestrians.

Parish Council objection

The Parish Council’s main reasons for objection include the lack of site design evolution- notably following community consultation where issues were raised, such as the absence of photomontages, and lack of impact assessment regarding the loss of wider landscape views.

The Parish Council also found the developments scale to be problematic, as in their view, the potential of up to 60 dwellings seemed too large, as it left far too little open space and left the village boundaries in a state that wasn’t consistent with the existing village character.

Overall, the Parish Council summed that they weren’t against proposals for housing provision, but would be less likely to object if the applicant listened to their concerns and adjusted the proposal appropriately.

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