Plans to build 60 new homes in the small Somerset village of Westbury-sub-Mendip have been delayed amid serious road safety concerns. The Church Commissioners for England proposed the development in January 2025, aiming to provide housing and a community hub south of Roughmoor Lane, near the busy A371 connecting Cheddar and Wells.
Somerset Council’s planning committee east, meeting in Shepton Mallet, was expected to approve the plans. However, after nearly three hours of discussions, members unanimously agreed to defer the decision until concerns about pedestrian safety, active travel, and potential over-development are adequately addressed.
The site, located at the village’s western entrance, borders the Robert Glanville Playing Fields and St Lawrence’s Church. The proposal includes building a new junction on the A371 Stoke Road, reducing the speed limit to 20mph, closing off Roughmoor Lane, relocating a bus stop, and creating a community green space.
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Of the 60 homes, 18 will be affordable, meeting the council’s 30% minimum for developments of this size in the former Mendip area. Additional contributions include over £152,000 for early years education, nearly £61,000 for special needs services, more than £38,000 for local health provision, and nearly £41,000 towards extending the Strawberry Line active travel route.
Despite these measures, local residents and planners remain worried. Chris Langdon, lead on the Westbury-sub-Mendip Neighbourhood Plan, criticized the highway team’s approach, emphasizing that safe pedestrian crossings over the A371 have not been properly considered.
David Maguire, a village resident, said the scale of the development represents a 17.5% population increase at once, stressing the lack of safe access to key village amenities. He highlighted recent accidents near the proposed site, underscoring the dangers faced by pedestrians, especially children and elderly residents.
The current plan includes a mown path connecting to existing footpaths through the churchyard, but no safe crossing point on the A371. Mr. Maguire added that the 20mph speed limit is insufficient to protect pedestrians at the preferred crossing spot. He also noted the development lacks adequate multi-user access to the Strawberry Line, which could help reduce local traffic.
Fletcher Robinson of CPRE Somerset expressed concern about the visual and environmental impact, noting that the site is integral to the Mendip Hills National Landscape. He recommended reducing the development’s footprint significantly to protect the setting of the grade two-star listed church and surrounding countryside.
Councillor Heather Shearer acknowledged residents’ willingness to accept new housing but emphasized their worries about the development’s size, impact on landscape, and road safety. She recounted stories of villagers opting to drive rather than risk crossing the busy road.
Similarly, Councillor Claire Sully cited road safety statistics and the lack of a safe crossing on a hazardous stretch of road with sharp bends. She also raised concerns about potential effects on the village’s dark skies status.
The land is zoned in the Mendip Local Plan Part II for about 40 homes, so rejecting the development would require strong justification. Councillor Barry Clarke described the site layout as cramped and reminiscent of a caravan park, questioning parking provisions and garden sizes.
Following extensive debate, the planning committee deferred their decision for up to six months to allow for revisions addressing these key issues.