Plans to build 40 new homes near an operational pig farm in Evercreech, Somerset, have been refused following a contentious planning committee meeting. The proposal, submitted by Rubix Strategic Ltd. in April 2024, aimed to develop the site on Prestleigh Road, a rural area close to Shepton Mallet.
Despite planning officers recommending approval, the Somerset Council planning committee east—which oversees major applications in the Mendip area—voted against the development on August 4, 2024. Councillors Philip Ham, Rob Reed, and Claire Sully were key voices opposing the scheme, citing risks to the village’s rural character and concerns about increased flooding.
The site is positioned near the former Greencore factory, where earlier proposals for 118 homes and commercial space had already been refused on appeal just a month prior. Past plans for 56 homes and a convenience store were withdrawn due to similar issues.
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Of the 40 homes proposed, 12 would have been affordable, meeting local housing targets. Mitigation efforts planned to address phosphate pollution involved taking nearby arable land out of use and planting new woodland.
Local residents and groups voiced strong opposition during the committee meeting. David Julian, trustee of CPRE Somerset, highlighted that the village had already significantly exceeded its housing target and stressed that this greenfield site threatened the village’s character and sustainability. Paul Davies, a neighbour living opposite the site, warned that the proximity of new homes to the working pig farm—maintained to Red Tractor standards and capable of rearing 600 pigs—would almost certainly lead to conflicts over odours and noise, putting the farm’s future at risk.
Longtime resident Clifford Banbury also raised concerns about existing flood issues and increased traffic congestion, warning that the proposed development would worsen dangerous parking and road conditions.
Councillors further underscored these arguments. Councillor Rob Reed advocated prioritizing development on brownfield sites like Greencore before approving greenfield projects. He recalled the devastating 2008 flooding in Evercreech and criticized the unsafe pedestrian access near the proposed new homes. Councillor Claire Sully echoed these concerns, emphasizing the unpleasant odour from the pig farm and the importance of supporting local agriculture.
Councillor Philip Ham, drawing from his 40 years’ experience in pig farming, strongly opposed the project. He emphasized that the odour, flies, noise, and manure from the farm would inevitably affect nearby residents. Ham questioned the logic of placing homes just 40 metres from a pig farm, stating that no farm would be established so close to a housing estate.
After nearly 90 minutes of debates, the committee voted 11 to 1, with two abstentions, to refuse planning permission. Rubix Strategic Ltd. has yet to announce whether it will appeal the decision.