Up to 60 homes 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 and related infrastructure.

“The Officer’s Report stated this application was outline planning permission with all matters reserved except for access, for the development of up to 60 dwellings, land for community use, public open space and associated landscaping, access, infrastructure and engineering works.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site lies outside but beside the village development limit, with an existing agricultural access and nearby countryside, playing fields and village buildings.

“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…”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the allocated site was considered policy-compliant, with housing need, mitigation, conditions and legal obligations supporting the proposal.

“The application site proposes residential development for the allocation made by policy WM1 of the Mendip Local Plan Part II 2006-2029. The policy sets out criteria that any forthcoming proposal should comply with. As set out in the report, it is considered that the application complies with policy WM1.”

“As such, it is considered that the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on visual and residential amenity, landscape, ecology, surface and foul water management, historic assets and highways safety. As it has been assessed that the proposal is compliant with the relevant policies, it is therefore the officer’s recommendation that planning permission is granted, subject to relevant conditions and S106 agreement. 4.”

Officer report

What people said

The Parish Council and objectors opposed the proposal’s scale, crossing arrangements, landscape and heritage effects, drainage strategy and limited community benefits.

“The Vice-Chair of Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council addressed the Committee and: • Confirmed that the village accepted the principle of housing development on the allocated site. • Stated that concerns remained about the current form of development. • Argued that the A371 remained a dangerous barrier between the proposed development and village facilities. • Expressed disappointment that meaningful engagement had not taken place following the May deferral.”

“Landscape and Heritage • Objectors considered that the development would have an adverse impact on views from the Mendip Hills National Landscape. • Concerns were raised regarding the setting of the Grade II* listed Church of St Lawrence. Drainage and Environmental Concerns • Significant concern remained regarding reliance on a package treatment plant. • Speakers questioned why a mains sewer connection was not being pursued.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The Parish Council representative, six objectors, Councillor Heather Shearer and the applicant’s representative addressed the committee.

What members debated

Members focused on whether the A371 mitigation was genuinely safe, whether 60 homes was excessive, drainage, housing need and the site’s allocation.

“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

Members voted six in favour, five against and one abstention on a proposal to defer the application.

“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

What was decided

The application was deferred for up to six months for an independent road safety assessment and review of highway information concerning pedestrian movements across 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