Residents near Taunton are gearing up for a renewed struggle to protect a cherished local ‘green wedge’ after a developer lodged an appeal against a planning refusal.
The Taunton Deane Core Strategy, endorsed by the Planning Inspectorate in July 2012, designated nine vital ‘green wedges’ designed to preserve the environment and prevent Taunton from merging with adjacent communities.
Earlier this year, Somerset Council’s planning and transport policy executive sub-committee decisively rejected a proposal to review these green wedges—specifically a plan that would have removed the Trull Ridge green wedge in the nearby village of Trull.
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Following this, in late February, the council’s west planning committee voted to refuse an application by BSL Strategic Ltd for 125 new homes on part of the same green wedge. However, this refusal is now under threat as the developer has filed an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, potentially reversing the decision by year-end and giving residents only weeks to submit their views once again.
The proposed development includes building a new spine road connecting Comeytrowe Road and College Way, alongside upgrades to an existing footpath along the site’s western border.
Of the 125 homes planned, 31 are designated as affordable housing, aligning with the council’s 25% affordable housing target for developments of ten or more homes in the former Taunton Deane area.
In its appeal, BSL argued that although the development would impact the green wedge, this is justified by the significant benefits of providing affordable homes and contributions towards local schools and GP surgeries.
A spokesperson for Tetlow King Planning, representing BSL Strategic Ltd, said: “Under the National Planning Policy Framework, planning permission should be granted unless the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. While the proposal will adversely affect the green wedge and heritage, the benefits—including open market and affordable housing—address urgent housing needs in Somerset and contribute to the national housing crisis.”
Councillor Dawn Johnson, a Liberal Democrat representing Comeytrowe and Trull, commented on May 15: “We anticipated this appeal. It will be decided via a public inquiry. We are coordinating community efforts to prepare responses and the council is securing expert witnesses to defend its rejection of the application robustly.”
Residents wishing to submit formal comments to the Planning Inspectorate must do so by June 22, quoting case reference number 6008715. Details for public inquiry dates—likely to be held at Somerset Council’s Taunton headquarters—will be announced soon.
Separately, Strongvox Homes has signaled plans to Taunton Town Council to build up to 40 homes on the eastern edge of the green wedge with access from Honiton Road. Meanwhile, the council is consulting on proposals to convert part of Comeytrowe Road into a ‘green lane’ to restrict motor vehicles while preserving access for pedestrians and cyclists.