Residents near Taunton are gearing up for a renewed battle to protect a cherished local ‘green wedge’ following an appeal against the refusal of a 125-home development proposal.
The Taunton Deane Core Strategy, endorsed by the Planning Inspectorate in July 2012, designated nine key ‘green wedges’ to preserve vital landscapes, protect the environment, and prevent Taunton from merging into surrounding villages.
In early February, Somerset Council’s planning and transport policy executive sub-committee decisively rejected any review that would remove one such wedge in the village of Trull, known as the ‘Trull Ridge green wedge.’
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Subsequently, in late February, the council’s planning committee west unanimously refused planning permission for the proposed development by BSL Strategic Ltd on the same green wedge. However, the developer has now lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, potentially overturning the decision by year-end and opening a narrow window for community input.
The proposed project includes constructing a new spine road linking Comeytrowe Road to College Way and upgrading the existing footpath along the site’s western edge. Of the 125 homes planned, 31 would be affordable housing, meeting the council’s 25% affordability target for developments exceeding ten homes in the former Taunton Deane area.
BSL Strategic argues that while the scheme would impact the green wedge, the benefits of delivering affordable homes and financial contributions to local schools and healthcare facilities outweigh the harm. A spokesperson for Tetlow King Planning, the appellant’s representatives, emphasized: “According to the National Planning Policy Framework, planning permission should be granted unless the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. The development presents some adverse effects on the green wedge and heritage, but these are balanced by important benefits, particularly affordable and open market housing that address urgent local and national housing needs.”
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Dawn Johnson, representing Comeytrowe and Trull, acknowledged the appeal’s arrival and assured residents of coordinated efforts to oppose the development. “The appeal will be heard through an inquiry,” she stated on social media. “The council has appointed an external planning expert to defend the refusal robustly. Community members involved in the original objection are preparing to contribute to this process.”
Residents wishing to formally comment on the appeal can do so by June 22 via the Planning Inspectorate’s portal, quoting case reference number 6008715. The public inquiry’s date and venue, expected to be Somerset Council’s Taunton headquarters, will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, Strongvox Homes has also revealed plans to Taunton Town Council to build up to 40 new homes on the eastern side of the green wedge, accessible from Honiton Road. Concurrently, the council is consulting on transforming part of Comeytrowe Road into a ‘green lane,’ potentially introducing barriers to restrict motor vehicles while allowing pedestrian and cyclist access.
The fate of Taunton’s green wedges hangs in the balance as the community rallies to protect these essential green spaces amid growing development pressures.