Plans to build up to 24 new homes near Glastonbury Tor have been approved after a recent successful appeal. The development, proposed by T. & A. Land Associates Ltd., will be located at the south-east corner of the Avalon estate on Cullen Farm Road, close to the existing Avalon development by Elan Homes on Old Wells Road in Glastonbury.
Somerset Council initially rejected the proposal in December 2024, citing the need to protect the landscape surrounding the Tor, a site of historical and spiritual significance. However, the Planning Inspectorate overturned this decision, concluding that the new homes would not significantly harm the Tor’s natural beauty, spiritual appeal, or historical value.
The land was not included in the Mendip Local Plan Part II, approved in 2021, but its development was considered during Glastonbury Town Council’s early Neighbourhood Plan discussions. Originally, up to 34 homes were proposed, but this was reduced to 24 after consultations with Somerset Council’s planning department. Of these, seven will be designated as affordable homes, just below the 30% requirement for developments in the former Mendip area.
Planning inspector J.J. Evans visited the site in September 2024 and acknowledged the importance of Glastonbury Tor and St. Michael’s Tower as a dominant and historically significant landmark. Despite the site lying outside the town’s development boundary, Evans deemed it close enough to local amenities to support sustainable housing growth.
He noted that although the development would change the current pastoral character and introduce light pollution during nighttime, it would effectively extend the existing Avalon estate and minimize intrusion into the surrounding countryside. Additional landscaping could be implemented to further screen the new homes from neighboring streets. The topography and separation distance would largely conceal the homes from views atop the Tor.
Given Glastonbury’s location within the River Brue catchment, mitigation measures will be in place to prevent increased phosphate pollution in the Somerset Levels and Moors. The developer will upgrade existing septic tanks to package treatment plants that chemically reduce phosphates on site.
Concerns from residents about increased strain on local services were addressed by highlighting nearby amenities such as a local play area, as well as financial contributions pledged to schools and GP surgeries. Traffic impact was deemed manageable given speed restrictions on Old Wells Road and the expected traffic from 24 homes.
With Somerset Council currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, this development is seen as a vital step towards addressing the housing shortfall, particularly providing affordable housing options.
While a separate appeal regarding legal costs for the developers was dismissed, a reserved matters application detailing the design and layout of the new homes is anticipated by summer 2026.