A significant boost is coming to the small Somerset village of Coleford, where plans for 75 new homes have been approved following a successful appeal by developer Rainier Developments Ltd. Situated midway between Frome, Midsomer Norton, and Shepton Mallet, Coleford lies just a few miles from the scenic Mendip Hills national landscape.
This latest development is part of a broader expansion strategy for the village. Previously, Gladman Developments secured approval for 63 homes on Anchor Road’s eastern side after an October 2021 Planning Inspectorate appeal. Meanwhile, revised proposals for the same site remain under council consideration.
Rainier Developments submitted outline plans in February 2024 for 75 homes on the opposite side of Anchor Road. Although Somerset Council initially refused the proposal in November 2024, the developer appealed. A public inquiry was held in Shepton Mallet in June, where notably the council chose not to defend its decision or present witnesses. Following this, Planning Inspector Christopher Baxter confirmed the development’s approval, subject to conditions set with the council to ensure prompt progress.
The site is located at the northern edge of Coleford, bordered by Brewery Lane to the north, which leads to the neighbouring village of Holcombe. Access will be via a new junction off Anchor Road near existing homes, positioned to minimize traffic impact from the nearby Gladman development. The plan includes generous public open spaces on the site’s western edge and two attenuation ponds near Brewery Lane to manage water runoff.
Importantly, 23 of the 75 homes will be affordable, aligning with the Mendip area’s target of 30 percent affordable housing in major developments. Although a recent review of the Mendip Local Plan Part II had previously labeled the site “unsuitable” for development before 2029, Inspector Baxter’s site visit on June 11 led to a different conclusion.
He noted that Coleford offers a “wide range of public facilities and services,” including a primary school and GP surgery, which contribute to the site’s sustainability. The development also includes a new footpath along Anchor Road’s western side, facilitating safe, accessible routes for future residents and existing villagers alike.
Moreover, the village’s proximity to regular weekday bus services connects residents to larger nearby towns, enhancing access to employment and amenities. Inspector Baxter highlighted that the narrow rural lanes and the presence of designated cycle routes encourage walking and cycling, supporting sustainable transport options to places like Frome, Midsomer Norton, and Radstock.
Regarding visual impact, the inspector concluded that the development would cause only “limited harm” to the local landscape. The homes will be clustered on the eastern part of the site, mirroring the existing village’s built form, while the western portion will serve as a green corridor with preserved open land and landscaping. Due to restricted sightlines and planned mitigation, the overall rural character of Coleford’s surroundings will be largely maintained.
This approval follows a recent pattern where Somerset Council has opted not to contest certain appeals after refusing planning applications, including large-scale housing projects in Rockwell Green and Midsomer Norton, both of which subsequently received planning permission.
As for the eastern Anchor Road site, where Gladman Developments' revised plans are under consideration, a council decision is anticipated before year’s end.