Efforts by Crewkerne residents and Somerset Council to halt the construction of nearly 150 new homes at the town’s southern edge have been unsuccessful. The proposed development, dubbed Maple Grove, is set to bring much-needed housing to the area, including a substantial portion of affordable homes.
The journey began when James Tizzard of Land Value Alliances LLP secured outline planning permission on appeal in July 2020 to build up to 150 homes on land situated between Kithill and the railway line. The site was later sold to Exeter-based Tilia Homes Ltd., which submitted detailed plans in July 2022 for 89 properties as the first phase.
Despite strong opposition citing concerns of overdevelopment and traffic issues, South Somerset District Council initially refused permission in January 2023. Revised proposals for 145 homes were subsequently dismissed by the newly formed Somerset Council in June 2023, which expressed worries about overlooking and flood risk. Following a developer appeal in January 2024, the Planning Inspectorate overturned the council’s decision.
READ MORE: Live: M5 Drivers Stranded Outside Vehicles Following Major Crash
READ MORE: ‘Chaos’ M5 crash involved bus with 35 passengers on board
Planning Inspector Matthew Bale emphasized that resident objections on road safety were largely addressed by prior permissions. He also ruled that additional phosphate mitigation requirements could not be applied retroactively due to the timing of the outline approval relative to new environmental laws. The design was found to fit reasonably well within the existing landscape, with preserved hedgerows and trees softening the estate’s impact despite the houses being taller with steeper roofs than neighboring dwellings.
Addressing flood risks, Inspector Bale acknowledged concerns from Network Rail but affirmed that these could be managed by strict planning conditions regulating water drainage. Infrastructure improvements within the site have been incorporated to handle surface water safely, which led to a reduction in the number of homes and modestly smaller garden sizes – changes deemed acceptable.
The development will maintain public footpaths linking Lang Road to the railway station, providing residents with convenient pedestrian access to hourly train services towards Yeovil and Axminster. Parking provisions are ample, with some homes allocated up to three spaces.
Crucially, the council’s acknowledged lack of a five-year housing land supply, in line with updated government housing targets, tipped the balance in favor of approving the development. Inspector Bale highlighted the benefits of delivering new and affordable homes now, stating the adverse impacts do not outweigh these overall gains.
Councillor Oliver Patrick, vice-chairman of the local planning committee, remarked on the outcome, noting that while design aspects could be improved, the need for housing and affordable options played a decisive role. He affirmed that the development would integrate acceptably with the rural outskirts, safeguard neighborly living conditions, and responsibly manage flood risks. The national presumption in favor of sustainable development was pivotal in the inspector’s decision.
Construction on Maple Grove is now anticipated to commence by summer 2026, marking a significant expansion for Crewkerne amid challenging local and environmental considerations.