The fate of a housing development near the Somerset-Dorset border remains uncertain as a second judicial review has been launched. In November 2018, the Planning Inspectorate granted outline permission to Gladman Developments to construct up to 130 homes on Woodhayes Way, Henstridge. The site was later sold to Barratt David Wilson Homes, which secured detailed planning permission for the same number of homes, now branded as the Townsend Landings or Townsend Green project, in May 2022.
After more than two years of drawn-out legal disputes surrounding planned improvements to the A357 road through Henstridge, Somerset Council conceded to facilitate the start of construction. This followed the council dropping its objections over contentious road modifications proposed by the developer.
The developer had initially committed to three key transportation improvements. David Wilson Homes confirmed it could deliver the first two but contested the installation of traffic lights at the Marsh Lane crossroads, citing safety concerns due to the junction’s layout. Instead, it proposed traffic calming measures and a 20mph speed limit between Church Street and Marsh Lane junctions. Although Somerset Council’s planning committee rejected these changes in April 2024, the developer appealed and published its legal case by late July.
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In response, the council asked for a further application related to transport improvements, which its planning officers approved on August 2 through delegated powers. Local resident and longtime opponent Paul Dimishky, member of the A357 Group, initiated the first judicial review arguing no viable road safety scheme had been submitted and accusing the developer of commencing work “illegally” to prevent the planning permission from expiring. As a result, the High Court originally planned to hear the case later this year, but David Wilson Homes conceded early, with Dimishky awarded legal costs—a development he hailed as a vindication.
However, in a surprising twist, Somerset Council approved an additional certificate of lawfulness for the site in May while the initial judicial proceeding was still active. This has prompted a second judicial review focusing on a “condition precedent” regarding pedestrian safety. Dimishky calls this new legal challenge “the knock-out blow” that could halt the entire development. The date for the upcoming High Court hearing remains unconfirmed, and Dimishky continues to crowdfund for legal expenses.
Henstridge Parish Council had initially considered pursuing legal action but was unable to proceed due to technical issues. Dimishky criticized local authorities for failing to hold developers accountable, accusing them of bias and citing taxpayer costs for ignored planning policies. “It is a scandal that needs to be exposed,” he said.
David Wilson Homes reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality homes while ensuring compliance with planning conditions. The company confirmed that the Townsend Green planning permission remains valid and promised to work with Somerset Council to defend against the second judicial review.
Somerset Council stated it will actively defend the development in the upcoming review, having opted not to contest the first judicial review.