Plans to build 24 new homes in Milverton, described as one of Somerset’s “most important and attractive” villages, were unanimously rejected by local councillors on August 25.
The proposal, submitted by Wellington-based developer R & K Building Ltd. in October 2022, sought permission to develop agricultural land on Butts Way adjacent to the existing Tuckersmead homes. Almost four years after the initial application, the development was considered by Somerset Council’s planning committee west in Taunton.
Despite planning officers recommending approval, the committee voted to refuse the scheme, citing strong local opposition, concerns about road safety, and the design of the homes.
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The site is located on the western edge of the village, approximately half a mile from local amenities such as the primary school and cricket club, and just north of the allotments. The proposed development included a new access road from Butts Way and provision for 64 parking spaces to serve the residents.
Of the 24 homes planned, most would have had four or more bedrooms, with six designated as affordable properties, meeting the council’s target of 25 per cent affordable housing for developments of this size within the former Taunton Deane area.
Neighbour Tom Boxall, who owns a nearby property, criticised the plans during the committee meeting, stating, “This proposed development has ignored almost every principle in the Taunton Deane development plan. The southern boundary should end south of my garden, and these new properties will be overbearing on our home. We are deeply concerned by these proposals.”
Kathryn Howard, clerk of Milverton Parish Council, challenged the suggestion that the village is regularly served by local buses, highlighting the limited schedule of the number 27 service, which runs only a few times on select working days. She emphasised the need for appropriate infrastructure to support current and future residents.
Councillor Gwilym Wren, representing the Upper Tone division, expressed no objection to development on the site itself but strongly criticised the proposed access arrangements. He noted, “The access is highly inadequate and dangerous, with a garden gate directly opposite and a nearby entrance used by large HGVs. Butts Way is a lovely village entrance that would be changed forever, leading to suburbanisation.”
Fellow councillor Dave Mansell echoed these concerns, urging a more thorough exploration of access options, including sharing access with Tuckersmead to avoid multiple new entry points onto Butts Way. He added that the design did not provide safe pedestrian routes into the village as expected.
Councillor Andy Hadley highlighted road safety objections from the council’s highways officers, stating, “Highways have objected, citing an increased risk of collisions, which provides clear grounds to refuse the application.”
Stephen Pugsley, also a councillor, was particularly critical of the architectural style, comparing it to the socialist realist designs seen in Nowa Huta, a post-war industrial district in Krakow, Poland. He remarked, “Milverton is one of the most important historic settlements in the county and requires sensitive development. This design is really poor and does not respect the local character, despite the benefit of affordable homes.”
Following approximately two hours of debate, the committee unanimously decided to refuse the planning application, marking the end of a four-year process.