Plans for dozens of “inappropriate” new homes in a small village near Taunton have been roundly rejected by district councillors, writes Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby.

Hallam Land Management originally put forward plans in October 2021 to deliver 80 homes and a “local centre” on the north side of Dene Road in Cotford St Luke, a few miles north-west of Somerset’s county town.

The developer put forward amended proposals in May 2022, providing more information about the layout of the homes and a planned orchard at the northern edge of the site.

But Somerset West and Taunton Council’s planning committee voted unanimously on Thursday (July 21) to throw out the plans, criticising the loss of green space and arguing the commercial element would threaten the existing heart of the village.

The site is allocated within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2040, as one of three sites to deliver housing within Cotford St Luke.

A new access road north of Dene Road would have be created, near the existing junction with North Villas, with pedestrian access also being provided at the eastern end of Dene Road and near the existing homes on Manning Road.

Of the 80 homes planned for the site, 20 would have been affordable, meeting the council’s 25 per cent target for any new development of ten homes or more.

Local resident Stuart Berry told the planning committee that approving the “inappropriate” development would have serious repercussions for both the village and the wider district.

He said: “It is unclear why this application doesn’t add to the phosphates issue, and why the measures that the developers claim address this problem here can’t be applied to the designated areas.

“The committee must acknowledge the wider significance of this application. Not only would you be approving an inappropriate development in an inappropriate area, but you would be accepting that you don’t have a five-year land supply. This would open you up to bad planning applications across the former Taunton Deane area. Think of the fields outside your own homes, and in your own wards, that could be next on a developer’s list.”

Kevin Hutson, who sits on Cotford St. Luke Parish Council, said building in this location would severely undermine the village’s character.

Cllr John Hassall, who represents Cotford St Luke, said he was worried the new homes would lead to an increase in crashes on Dene Road and the nearby A358.

The committee unanimously voted to refuse permission after over an hour’s debate. The developer has not yet indicated whether it intends to appeal the decision.