35 homes at Land At Great Dunns Close, Beckington, Frome

“The Planning Officer introduced the application, explaining that it sought outline planning permission for up to 35 dwellings, with access submitted for approval and all other matters reserved.”

“The Planning Officer explained the application to the Committee with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation and described the site as undeveloped land on the north- eastern edge of Beckington, adjacent to the A36, lying outside but abutting the Beckington Conservation Area. Members were shown plans identifying the site boundary, existing vegetation, and its relationship to nearby development, including the village pub and the A36 corridor.”

“30% affordable housing (including tenure and space standards) • Biodiversity net gain • Contributions towards health, education and other infrastructure • Highway works, including contributions towards the nearby roundabout • Provision and long-term management of open space…”

“Wastewater and Environmental Impact • Inadequate wastewater infrastructure identified. • Risk of increased pollution at Farleigh Hungerford designated bathing water. • Previous decisions and legal advice confirm sewage discharges are a material planning consideration. • No satisfactory solution currently in place; refusal urged until wastewater impacts are resolved. Planning Policy and Local Preference • Progress on emerging Beckington Neighbourhood Plan highlighted.”

“Members acknowledged the importance of meeting housing targets to address the Council’s land supply shortfall. However, concerns were raised about the cumulative impact of development on local infrastructure, character, and amenity. Some Members stressed that while housing delivery is a strategic priority, it should not override significant site-specific issues.”

“At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Rob Reid proposed that the application be approved, in accordance with the Officers recommendation, with amendments of the relevant conditions relating to the provision of water butts, noise mitigation and active travel links to Goose Street. This was seconded by Councillor Tony Robbins.”

“An amendment to the Surface Water Drainage System condition (5) to include the requirement to provide a water butt for each dwelling. • An amendment to the Noise Mitigation Measures condition (12) to bring the submission trigger back to "with reserved matters submissions relating to layout". • An amendment to the estate roads condition (16), to amend the reference to pedestrian links to Goose Street to a reference to active travel linkages.”