Four-year battle over Wedmore homes ends as plans approved

C. & P. Developments (Wedmore) Ltd applied in July 2020 to build up to 34 new homes on the B3139 Wells Road in Wedmore, at the eastern edge of the village.

After nearly four years of consultation and lengthy negotiations with planning officers, which saw the number of homes reduced to 30, Somerset Council’s planning committee north (which makes decisions on major plans in the former Sedgemoor area) voted to turn down the proposals in February, citing concerns about highway safety and the negative impact on the village’s characters.

The developer submitted a fresh application for 30 homes on the same site in May, promising to deliver “a low density development with an abundance of green space and a rural feel.”

The same committee unanimously backed the plans when it met in Bridgwater on July 9, despite ongoing concerns from residents about road safety and how the new homes would affect the character of the village.

The site lies on the main road between Highbridge and Wells, a short distance from the Mendip Scout Base and the village’s allotments.

Of the 30 planned properties, ten will be affordable – with four plots being set aside for self-build projects.

The site lies on the main road between Highbridge and Wells. (Image: Angus Meek Architects)

The original plans were refused by the committee in part due to the site’s “elevated position and location on the rural edge of the settlement”, with locals and councillors fearing it would “detrimentally impact” the character of Wedmore and create road safety issues.

In a bid to overcome these problems, the developer has amended the design of six of the building plots, placing them in what they claim is a less visually prominent part of the site.

Keith Boulnois, from the Isle of Wedmore Society, said the new plans would “permanently destroy” the character of the village, citing the impact on listed buildings and the local conservation area.

He told the committee on July 9: “Over recent years, we have worked with you to bring about carefully managed change to the parish of Wedmore.

“We have supported planning applications, even those immediately adjacent to listed buildings, where we believe there would be no significant negative impact.

“This development will result in a total loss of setting to the conservation area. We believe the case stands today as it stood some time ago, and this application is still totally inappropriate.”

Wedmore has seen significant housing growth over the last decade, ranging from the Wedmore Grange development delivered by Strongvox Homes (north of the B3139 Blackford Road) to the Cross Farm development of 16 homes provided by LiveWest.

Local resident Jacky Farley added: “Nothing that the developers have done has materially challenged the reasons why the previous plans were refused.

“The developers’ own documents refer to the urbanising effect of the new pavements, and residents are concerned by the narrowness of the road.

“The hill crest will obstruct visibility for those exiting the village, potentially causing accidents.”

Councillor Gill Slocombe (whose Bridgwater West division is currently experiencing significant housing growth) said she felt the developers had made sufficient changes to make the plans acceptable.

She said: “We all know what a beautiful area this is. Nevertheless, I do feel that the design is incredible and has been kept in line with what is already there.”

Councillor Alan Bradford (North Petherton) said: “This is not easy. The public have spoken eloquently against this, but we have to make a decision on planning terms.

“We’ve got to build more houses and build them a lot quicker.”

Councillor Bob Filmer (Brent) added: “I very much welcome the changes that have been made since this was last before us.”

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans after around 90 minutes’ debate.