The Planning Inspectorate has addressed concerns after appointing the same inspector to make rulings on two significant housing developments in Castle Cary, Somerset, within a two-month span.
Inspector C. Butcher was first tasked in mid-2025 to evaluate plans for 46 new homes on B3152 South Street. This application had previously been rejected by Somerset Council’s South Planning Committee in January 2025. Later that year, Mr. Butcher was also appointed to oversee an appeal for Abri’s longstanding proposal to construct 27 homes at the Foxes Run site, which is notable for allegedly containing an unexploded World War II bomb.
Both appeals were reviewed through written representations rather than public hearings, with Mr. Butcher conducting at least one site visit for each development. Ultimately, he ruled in favor of the developers, approving the South Street project in November 2025 and the Foxes Run plan in January 2026.
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In response to public concerns about appointing the same inspector twice, the Planning Inspectorate explained that this decision was made to enhance operational efficiency and reduce travel costs, not due to any conflict or bias. A spokesperson stated:
“The main reason for one inspector being appointed to two cases in close proximity geographically is because we put together site visits and events as close as possible, for efficient charting and to save inspectors having to travel great distances.
“Planning inspectors are appointed by the Planning Inspectorate – an independent executive agency of the government – on the basis of their professional expertise, experience and availability.
“Their expertise and neutrality are key to delivering sound and consistent decisions on all forms of planning appeal, from minor householder applications to complex infrastructure projects.”
The decision on the Foxes Run site is now subject to potential legal challenge. Local councillor Henry Hobhouse is actively seeking to raise £50,000 through crowdfunding to pursue a judicial review in the High Court. He argues that the inspector’s report contains inaccuracies, particularly regarding traffic conditions on Mill Lane.
Councillor Hobhouse highlighted that waste lorries have rarely been observed on Mill Lane, contrary to the inspector’s findings, which he says downplays the potential impact of heavy traffic. The approved development involves transporting approximately 3,200 tonnes of construction materials, resulting in numerous heavy goods vehicle trips. He warns this will profoundly disrupt residents’ daily lives, safety, and tranquility in Brookfields, Mill Lane, and adjacent areas.