Ilminster Town Council backs plans for Shudrick Lane development

Residents packed into St Mary’s parish hall on Monday evening to hear councillors discuss whether to recommend approval for the 330 houses developer C.G. Fry is planning.

Members of the public made passionate speeches seeking clarity and assurances on concerns including flooding and highways.

The council first heard representations from David Lohfink, planning director at C.G. Fry, who insisted there was room for both this development and one proposed to the west of the town at Canal Way, and that this was a ‘genuine opportunity’ to invest in Ilminster.

During the public forum, resident Peter Jeeps sought to find out more about flooding mitigation measures, while Tony Walker demanded to see evidence of the council’s viability and sustainability appraisal which he said had not been forthcoming, adding: “Do we not deserve a considered response in order to protect our much-loved and vibrant town centre?”

A number of residents and councillors thought it bizarre that the meeting was even taking place, given that the Local Plan is set to be published tomorrow (Thursday) and is expected to highlight Canal Way as the preferred direction of growth.

Ex-councillor Martin Rawstorne said: “This planning application is not in accordance with the emerging Local Plan. If the town council approves this application it would be disregarding the views of the district’s most recognised experts and would lead to the overloading of development in Ilminster and changing – dare I say ruining – the town.

“If we add these homes to the ones already in the pipeline, it comes to a total of around 895 houses, which is absolutely unsustainable with its current infrastructure.”

Mark Woodcock said: “This council represents the people, not the other way around. The motivation of the applicant is absolutely clear and no-one should be fooled – it is only money.

“There is no good will towards the town, nothing at all. Represent the people and say ‘no’.”

Robert Drayton from the Save Shudrick Valley campaign group said: “In over two years, it is surprising and disappointing that, apart from one occasion to get us to a very one-sided debate, this council has made no other attempt to speak to our group, which has supporters from all over Ilminster.

“The council has bent over backwards to accommodate the applicants when it should be representing its ratepayers and this has become – through the fault of the town council – another major issue which has split our community.

The town council’s vision for the town is in tatters.”

Kicking off the councillors’ discussion, planning committee chairman Andrew Shearman reminded members that they needed to come up with a valid and legal planning reason for refusal, or it could end up costing the council ‘a lot of money’ at appeal.

Cllr Roger Swann said he thought the evidence ‘stacked up’ and that he could see no valid reason for refusal, with the Highways Agency having removed its standing objection.

But Cllr Stuart Shepherd responded: “I don’t agree – I believe we can object. I can’t believe that we cannot take notice of what the feeling is in this town.

“If they want a reason, let’s give them one – the majority of people don’t want this development.”

Supporting the development, Cllr David Miller said the promised ring road could lead to the part-pedestrianisation of the town centre, and proposed approval.

Cllr Rose Neave said: “I appreciate planning law and that we need to give reasons but we are elected by the people to stand up for our town. I personally think that sometimes you have to step outside what is ideal and represent the people of the town.”

A named vote was requested and members signalled their intention in turn. Cllrs Neave and Shepherd were outnumbered by the majority who passed the motion to recommend approval, which led to boos and hisses from members of the public.

A final decision on the development will be taken by South Somerset District Council when it comes before the Area West committee, with a date yet to be set.