ANOTHER housing appeal has been lodged with Taunton Deane after an application was refused for not being part of the authority's plan.

Gladman Developments is appealing Taunton Deane's decision over 200 new homes in Creech St Michael.

The application for Langaller Lane was refused in April earlier this year after it was decided it could lead to an 'unplanned extension' of the village.

Residents opposed the plans from day one, saying services were already over subscribed and more cars would use the village as a 'rat run'. More than 350 residents signed a petition urging the Deane to reject the plans.

Tim Burton, assistant director for planning and environment, said: "The proposed development site lies outside the defined settlement limits of Creech St. Michael.

"It would result in a large scale unplanned extension of the village, preventing a full assessment of the most sustainable options for future growth that would consider a range of factors such as available and planned infrastructure, walking distances to key facilities and provision of services in order to achieve sustainable development."

But land promoter Gladman Developments does not want to take no for an answer, so has lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate.

The company is already undergoing two similar appeals with the council, one for 205 homes and 60 “care apartments” on Bagley Road in Rockwell Green near Wellington, and another for 95 homes on North Street in Wiveliscombe.

The appeals have been lodged as Gladman believes the council’s claims of a five-year land supply are “incorrect and not founded on reasonable and credible evidence”.

The company added 25 per cent of the new homes would be affordable – the equivalent of 50 dwellings – and that “minimal weight” should be given to the village’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan.

A spokesperson said: “There is a significant affordable housing need in Taunton Deane, and this scheme will help to address the current affordable housing shortfall.

“Evidence will be adduced by our highways consultant to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have a severe transport impact.”

In a statement of common ground, the council and developer have agreed that the appeal would be decided on the basis of three grounds:

  • Whether the council can demonstrate a five-year land supply
  • Whether the proposed development is in a sustainable location
  • Whether it would “prejudice the safety, amenity and convenience of highway users”

The Planning Inspectorate has stated a public inquiry would be held on a date to be confirmed, and was likely to last at least three days.

Interested parties should submit comments by August 15. To submit a comment visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk, quoting reference number APP/D3315/W/18/3205705.