60 homes and community land at Land South Of Roughmoor Lane, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 60 homes, community land, public open space, landscaping, access, infrastructure and engineering works.

“Application Details Application Reference Number: 2025/0137/OUT Application Types: Outline Planning Permission (with all matters reserved except for access) Extension of Time: Yes – PPA Description: Outline permission with all matters reserved, except for access, for the development of up to 60 dwellings, land for community use, public open space & associated landscaping, access, infrastructure & engineering works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was outside but beside the village development limit, with roads and housing to the north, village buildings to the east, countryside to the south and playing fields to the west.

“The application site is outside of, but adjacent to the development limit on the south-western edge of the village of Westbury-sub-Mendip. To the north of the site lies Roughmoor Lane, an unclassified road with residential development along the northern side. To the east of the application site there are disused agricultural buildings and with the village centre located further in this direction, including a number of listed buildings and the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions, citing policy compliance, housing need, mitigation and no technical objections.

“Relevant external and internal consultees have been consulted on the application, and there are no objections, with relevant conditions and S106 obligations recommended to secure appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures.”

Officer report

What local people said

Objectors raised concerns about housing numbers, highway safety, landscape, heritage, drainage, ecology, infrastructure and the package treatment plant.

“Area of Concern - Ecology • The application site supports bats and the proposal would destroy their food source • The proposed package treatment plant (PTP) is too close to the playing field and its users and it’s not clear where treated sewage would discharge to • Concern that development would take place within the root protection areas of the existing mature trees and hedgerows • Impact of lighting on wildlife • Additional biodiversity measures should be considered •…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish council, six objectors, the local division member and the applicant’s representative addressed the committee.

What members debated

Members focused on crossing safety, housing density, drainage, housing need and whether the proposed mitigation met policy requirements.

“Members discussed whether the proposed mitigation represented a genuinely safe crossing solution. • Officers emphasised that Highway Authority Officers considered the proposed measures acceptable. Housing Density • Some Members considered 60 dwellings excessive. • Concerns were expressed regarding impacts upon village character and landscape setting. Drainage • Members questioned the package treatment plant proposal.”

“Confirmed that no controlled crossing point could safely be delivered within existing highway constraints. • Explained that highway mitigation included a proposed 20mph limit, warning signage, high-friction surfacing and improved pedestrian crossing arrangements. • Confirmed the Highway Authority considered the development acceptable subject to mitigation. • Advised that future third-party land arrangements could not form part of the current planning assessment.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Adam Boyden proposed deferral, seconded by Councillor Susannah Hart; the proposal passed with six votes for, five against and one abstention.

“At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Adam Boyden proposed that the application be deferred. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Susannah Hart.”

“On being put to the vote the proposal was carried with 6 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 1 abstention.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was deferred for up to six months for an independent road safety assessment and review of highway information about pedestrians crossing the A371.

“That planning application 2025/0137/OUT be DEFERRED for up to 6 months to allow the Council to undertake an independent road safety assessment and review of submitted highway information to fully assess the impacts of the development on highway safety for pedestrian movements across the A371 in accordance with the requirements of WM1 and DP8 and DP9 of the Local Plan.”

Minutes