Somerset’s ambitious rural housing plans face significant setbacks as difficulties surrounding a critical development site threaten progress. Mendip District Council’s Local Plan Part II, approved in December 2021, initially identified 37 potential housing sites. However, after a judicial review by Norton St. Philip Parish Council in December 2022, five sites were removed, including three near Midsomer Norton and two near Frome.
Upon the district council’s transition into Somerset Council in April 2023, alternative sites were submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in October 2024, culminating in the amended plan’s ratification on September 25, 2025. Despite these efforts, concerns remain—especially about the Anchor Road site in Coleford, earmarked for 63 homes.
Conservative Councillor Philip Ham highlighted ongoing obstacles facing this site during a council meeting in Bridgwater. He explained that the process to approve reserved matters—detailed design and layouts—is stalled due to complications related to coal mining reports and sewerage infrastructure. Ham questioned whether the council could seek reimbursement from the Planning Inspectorate, asserting, “They got it wrong, not Mendip District Council,” lamenting the thousands of pounds lost through delays.
Gladman Developments obtained outline permission for Anchor Road in October 2021 following a successful appeal. Yet, their reserved matters application submitted in October 2024 remains undecided. Meanwhile, nearby developments on Anchor Road, such as a Rainier Developments proposal for 75 homes, met similar sewage system objections but were ultimately approved following unsuccessful council appeals.
Council member Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development and planning, acknowledged the ongoing challenges but noted the process isn’t concluded. He suggested that should the site prove undeliverable, alternative allocations might be necessary.
Failure to bring allocated sites like Anchor Road to fruition leaves the council exposed to speculative development proposals on unallocated properties, which risk lacking critical infrastructure and services.
Regarding financial recourse, council legal counsel Kehinde Awojobi confirmed, “Unfortunately, we are not in a position to claim costs from the planning inspectorate.”
Looking ahead, Somerset aims to finalize its new county-wide Local Plan by March 2029, with updates expected to be discussed at the planning and transport policy sub-committee meeting on October 8.