A planned housing development of 130 homes on the Somerset-Dorset border is under threat after local residents won the right to launch a judicial review. Gladman Developments initially received outline permission from the Planning Inspectorate in November 2018 to develop the site at Woodhayes Way in Henstridge. The site was later sold to Barratt David Wilson Homes, which secured detailed approval in May 2022 for the project now named Townsend Landings.
Despite years of legal disputes, Somerset Council recently allowed construction to begin after abandoning objections to the developer’s proposed improvements to the A357 road that runs through the village. However, the High Court could overturn these decisions following the successful judicial review application by residents, with a ruling expected later this autumn.
The original planning consent required significant improvements to the A357 to be finalized before any building work could commence. While Barratt David Wilson Homes agreed to deliver two of these improvements, it rejected installing traffic lights at the Marsh Lane crossroads due to safety concerns. Instead, it proposed traffic calming measures and a 20mph speed limit between Church Street and Marsh Lane.
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Somerset Council’s planning committee initially rejected these revised traffic plans in April 2024, prompting the developer to appeal and submit a legal case in July. The council later approved the alternative transport improvements through delegated powers in August.
Leading the legal challenge is Paul Dimishky, a long-time opponent of Townsend Landings and member of the A357 Group, which has deemed the development unsuitable for the village. Dimishky contends that Barratt David Wilson Homes failed to secure the necessary road safety agreement before commencing construction, and improperly attempted to legalize their early start through a flawed application to the council.
Henstridge Parish Council intended to back the judicial review but was prevented by technical obstacles, leading Dimishky to spearhead the action alone since December 2024. He warns that the case highlights a broader struggle faced by local councils nationwide, who often feel pressured or powerless against large developers.
Somerset Council has chosen not to contest the judicial review or represent the case in court, mirroring its recent decisions to forgo defending other appeals on large housing schemes within the county.
The High Court hearing is slated for later this year. Dimishky has launched a JustGiving campaign to raise an estimated £50,000 for legal fees and is organizing public events to support the cause.
Barratt David Wilson Homes declined to comment extensively due to ongoing legal matters but reiterated its commitment to delivering affordable homes and community amenities within the development.
A council spokesperson stated that no further comments would be made until the judicial review concludes and future steps to enforce planning compliance are determined.