Somerset Council has reversed its earlier approval for a new industrial estate near the A303 after legal roadblocks stalled progress on critical agreements.
In June 2022, Anthony Canvin submitted plans to construct up to 34 light industrial ‘starter units’ off the A359 High Street in Sparkford. These units were intended to provide small local businesses with affordable workspace and easy access to the recently dualled A303.
Despite concerns raised by local residents—ranging from potential flooding issues to worries over noise, light pollution, and the impact on community well-being—the council’s south planning committee voted 6-2 to approve the development in October 2024. One condition placed on approval was the restriction of overnight HGV parking.
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The proposed development spanned a greenfield site situated between the former Haynes publishing site and a nearby planned residential and care home development. Plans also included constructing a new access road off the A359 to facilitate smooth transportation links.
Local resident and Sparkford Parish Council member Richard Squires voiced strong opposition at the committee meeting, highlighting environmental and social concerns. He criticized the choice of a productive greenfield site over available brownfield alternatives and warned of lasting negative effects on the village’s quality of life.
However, following the approval, progress stalled due to unresolved legal agreements. Planning officer Michael Lowe reported that negotiations on the Section 106 agreement—which outlines developers' contributions to community and environmental provisions—had seen “little progress.” Mr. Canvin reportedly declined to cover certain identified council costs and failed to commit financially to sustainable initiatives such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Without a signed Section 106 agreement, the council could not formally grant planning permission or issue a decision notice. Due to this impasse, under its constitution, the council’s planning officers exercised their authority to overturn the previously granted approval—a rare but necessary measure when agreements remain unfulfilled.
This decision reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring developments contribute appropriately to local infrastructure and sustainability goals, as laid out in the South Somerset Local Plan.
The backlog of approved but legally unconfirmed applications remains a challenge for Somerset Council. An update on these unresolved agreements will be discussed by the strategic planning committee in Taunton on January 22, 2025.