(Commonwealth) _ Plans for the construction of dozens of new homes in Somerset have been rejected by the local council, which deemed the proposals “unacceptable.” The proposal, submitted by F. & G. Jeanes & Sons Ltd., sought permission to build 83 homes and a retail outlet in the village of Nether Stowey, located on the northern edge of the Quantock Hills national landscape. The development was to be situated on the main road between Bridgwater and Minehead, less than a mile from another major housing project, but the council ruled against the plan due to concerns about local infrastructure and environmental impact.
F. & G. Jeanes & Sons Ltd., a Cannington-based company, had revised the original plans after receiving feedback. The number of homes was reduced from 83 to 57 in an attempt to address the council’s concerns. However, despite the adjustments, Somerset Council still found the revised plans unacceptable. The council stated that the development lacked the necessary local services and would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding environment, particularly given its proximity to the Quantock Hills, an area of national scenic importance.
The site of the proposed development lies near the Cricketer Farm site, where Strongvox Homes is currently constructing 109 homes. Additionally, permission was granted in June for a further 58 homes at the same site. This ongoing development raised concerns among the council that adding yet another housing project in the area would put undue pressure on local services and infrastructure, which are already under strain from existing and planned construction.
A spokesperson for F. & G. Jeanes & Sons Ltd. defended the proposal, asserting that the development would be both “high-quality” and “sustainable.” They argued that the project complied with national planning policies and that the benefits of the development outweighed any potential negative impacts. According to the spokesperson, the development would provide much-needed housing and a retail outlet for the local community, and they were confident that it could be delivered in a way that was responsive to the needs of the area.
However, Somerset Council remained unconvinced. One of the primary issues cited by the council was that the development did not fulfill a defined housing need in the region. Without meeting this criterion, the project failed to qualify for the “exceptional circumstances” required for approval under local planning regulations. The council emphasized that for a project of this scale to be approved, it would need to address specific housing shortages and deliver prioritized infrastructure improvements that were not part of the current proposal.
The council also expressed concern over the environmental impact of the development. It argued that the construction would have a “substantial urbanizing effect” on the rural landscape of the Quantock Hills. The council found that the proposed development would erode the natural beauty of the area and lead to increased urban sprawl, encroaching on a region that is valued for its scenic and environmental significance. Furthermore, the council highlighted that the proposal did not adequately address the existing sewer easement located on the western edge of the site, another factor contributing to its decision to reject the plans.
The decision to deny planning permission reflects the council’s broader concerns about balancing development with environmental preservation and the need for local services. With other housing projects already underway in the area, the council appears determined to ensure that new developments meet strict criteria related to sustainability, infrastructure, and housing needs.
As it stands, the future of the proposed development remains uncertain, with F. & G. Jeanes & Sons Ltd. potentially needing to revisit their plans and address the council’s concerns if they hope to move forward with any construction on the site.
