A developer is appealing a council decision to block 30 new homes in Somerset, sparking local debate about housing needs and community character
Glastonbury: So, there’s this developer, Galion Homes, who’s appealing a decision made by Somerset Council. They wanted to build 30 homes just north of Church Street in Keinton Mandeville, but the council said no.
The planning committee voted against it right before Christmas 2024. They felt the homes were unwanted by locals and would mess with the area’s vibe. Now, the Planning Inspectorate will have the final say later this year.
The plan includes tearing down a bungalow called Oriana to create a new access point for the homes, which would sit on some green space. They’re also planning to add a couple of pedestrian paths to make it easier for folks to get around.
Out of those 30 homes, 11 are set to be affordable, which is actually more than what the council usually requires. A spokesperson for the developer mentioned that this project could really help with the housing shortage in the area.
Interestingly, the council’s decision went against the advice of their own experts. They think the benefits of the new homes outweigh the concerns. The appeal will be handled through written submissions and a site visit, not a public inquiry.
Originally, the plans included a new classroom for a local preschool, but that’s already been sorted out through another application. This whole situation is part of a bigger issue in South Somerset, where over 50 applications have been delayed due to environmental concerns.
To offset the impact of these new homes, Galion plans to plant a decent chunk of woodland nearby. This should help with the local ecosystem and is timed with some upgrades to the local wastewater treatment plant.
The planning committee had two main reasons for their refusal: they felt the development wouldn’t fit in with the local character and there wasn’t a solid agreement on affordable housing and community contributions.
Some local councillors are really against the development. One, Councillor Stephen Page, said it would harm Keinton Mandeville’s charm. Another, Councillor Sue Osborne, pointed out that losing this green space could turn the village into just another suburb.
Meanwhile, Galion is busy with other projects, including 36 homes in Baltonsborough and a couple of new developments in Butleigh. They even won an appeal for 49 homes in Horton, which is pretty close to the A303.
If anyone wants to weigh in on this appeal, they can do so online by quoting the case number before February 24. It’s a bit of a hot topic around here!
