A public inquiry is scheduled for March 3, 2026, to decide whether 20 new homes can be built at the northern edge of Beckington, a small village in Somerset. The proposed development, a joint application by Cotswold Homes and Redrow Homes submitted in October 2024, involves building up to 20 properties on land south of Great Dunns Close, situated between Frome and Bath.
Earlier this year, Somerset Council’s planning committee east, responsible for major applications in the former Mendip area, voted 7 to 3 with 3 abstentions to refuse the proposal. Concerns centered on the development being disproportionate to the village’s character, potential sewage discharge into the nearby River Frome, and fears of overdevelopment straining local infrastructure and connectivity, especially due to reliance on private vehicles.
The site lies between existing homes on Great Dunns Close and Goose Lane, just south of Beckington Services. Access would be via an extension of Great Dunns Close, and a new pumping station is planned to manage sewage from the development. Of the 20 homes, six would be affordable, meeting the council’s 30% target for developments with ten or more homes in the area.
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In addition to housing, the developers have pledged nearly £33,000 to improve the nearby Beckington and White Row roundabouts. These upgrades are linked to potential government support for the Selwood Garden Community near Frome. Contributions also include nearly £19,000 for the Royal United Hospital in Bath, over £12,500 for expanding Beckington Surgery, and more than £9,000 for a nearby multi-use games area (MUGA).
This proposal marks another attempt following Redrow Homes’ previous plan for 30 homes on the site, which was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in June 2022. Interestingly, just a day before rejecting this application, the same committee approved plans for 35 homes on adjacent land near the A36.
The forthcoming public inquiry, expected to last up to four days and include a site visit, will likely take place at the former Mendip District Council headquarters in Shepton Mallet. The final decision by the Planning Inspectorate is anticipated by summer 2026, while a ruling on the Selwood Garden Community is expected early next year.
Residents and interested parties can submit formal representations to the inquiry via the Planning Inspectorate website using case reference number 3375062 before January 7, 2026.