AN appeal is being prepared against the refusal of planning permission for one of Wellington’s most controversial housing developments in generations – and this time it is not a false alarm.

Wellington Town Council sparked concern in July when councillors were mistakenly told an appeal had been lodged by Pegasus Group in a report discussing the idea of the authority seeking the legal right to take part in the proceedings.

Now, Exeter-based Pegasus has admitted it is preparing to challenge the refusal of its plans to build 250 houses on farm fields on the other side of the town’s A38 relief road, referred as ‘south of Oldway Road’.

Somerset Council comprehensively rejected the company’s planning application in April and Pegasus has until October 30 to lodge an appeal with the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.

The company has opened its own online consultation on its appeal, which it said would include a number of changes to the unsuccessful original plans.

A drone's eye view of fields outside Wellington where Pegasus Group wants to build 250 houses.
A drone's eye view of fields around Middle Green Farm outside Wellington where Pegasus Group wants to build 250 houses. (Protect Wellington)

It said it would present the appeal inspector with an updated drainage strategy with increased surface water attenuation, a reconfiguration of the site access and connectivity, including a toucan crossing of the A38 for pedestrians and cyclists, and an extra, uncontrolled crossing.

A spokesperson said: “This is not a consultation run on behalf of Somerset Council.

“The purpose of the consultation is to consult on the amended proposals and not on the appellant’s future appeal against the council’s decision.

“Somerset Council will contact interested parties separately to respond to the appeal once lodged.

“All comments received will be shared with both the Planning Inspectorate and Somerset Council with the appeal submission.

“Consultation responses will then be considered by the appointed inspector alongside all other consultation responses that have already been received at application stage and under the appeal process.

“All comments submitted will be in the public domain and may be referred to during the appeal.”

Pegasus is asking for comments on its revised plans to be submitted by October 23, one week before the appeal deadline expires.

The Pegasus plans have seen fierce public opposition in the town from Protect Wellington, a residents’ group set up to oppose the development.

A concept masterplan by Pegasus of its proposed housing development in the countryside to the south of Wellington Relief Road.
A concept masterplan by Pegasus of its proposed housing development in the countryside to the south of Wellington Relief Road. (Pegasus)

Protect Wellington said the A38 was the town’s natural boundary and allowing it to be breached for the first time would set a precedent leading to a ‘tsunami wave’ of housebuilding stretching almost the entire length of the relief road from Perry Elm to Chelston.

It would mean the loss of 34 acres of agricultural fields near Middle Green Farm in the shadow of the town’s most famous landmark, Wellington Monument.

Town councillors are investigating a ‘Rule 6’ application which would give them a seat at the table during the appeal to make their own arguments against the planning application regardless of any decision by Somerset Council.

But, they warned it could be a hugely expensive process, with the prospect of an increase in council tax in future years to help cover the cost.