Up to 230 dwellings at Land Off Crewkerne Road, Chard

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 230 homes, open space, landscaping, drainage and access arrangements, with most matters reserved.

“Application Details Application Reference Numbers: 23/01537/OUT Application Types: Outline Application with all matters reserved except Access Extension of Time: 20 th December 2024”

“Description: Outline Application with all matters reserved except for means of access for the erection of up to 230 dwellings with public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system (SuDS), main vehicular access point and secondary access point for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Officer report

Earlier committee decision

The committee had previously resolved to approve the development with an additional A30 footpath condition and an archaeology condition amendment.

“The report attached as Appendix A was considered by the South Area Planning Committee at the meeting held on 28 th Jan 2025 (a copy of the relevant minutes is attached as Appendix B). Whilst Members resolved to approve the development, this was subject to a condition requiring pedestrian access along the A30. The Committee’s resolution reads as follows:”

“That planning application 23/01537/OUT Outline Application with all matters reserved except for means of access for the erection of up to 230 dwellings with public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system (SuDS), main vehicular access point and secondary access point for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at Land Off Crewkerne Road, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1HB be APPROVED subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers advised that an A30 footway was not justified or tenable, while the alternative route to Oaklands Avenue was acceptable and safer.

“SC Highways Officers have confirmed that a new footway along Crewkerne Road would need to have a minimum width of 2.0m. When taking into account the available highway land, the slope of the verge and the extent of trees and vegetation, it is considered that it is not technically feasible to introduce new footway infrastructure along Crewkerne Road. This conclusion has been accepted by SC highways officers.”

“In June 2025 the developer produced a Technical Note (Technical File Note 4B) setting out highway advice prepared by their appointed consultant. A copy of this Note is attached as Appendix C to this report. The note concludes that it is not feasible to deliver a new footway along A30 Crewkerne Road and demonstrates that the applicant’s proposal to form a new walking route to Oaklands Avenue is a better option than forming a walking route along the A30.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Public speakers and Chard Town Council raised concerns about traffic, the relief road, flooding, the natural environment, infrastructure, services and employment.

“A footpath link along the A30 CAN be achieved, and the information given to the committee today is misleading. • The development will worsen an existing problem with heavy traffic on the eastern edge of Chard, and the SSDC plans for the delivery of the Chard Eastern Relief Road appear to be on hold.”

“The increase in traffic congestion and the failure to deliver the Chard Eastern Relief Road. • The development will bring increased flood risk to Chard. • The many impacts on the natural environment, and development’s proximity to Chard Reservoir. • The lack of infrastructure, services and employment opportunities in Chard…”

Minutes

Who spoke

Two members of the public and a Chard Town Council representative spoke against the application, while the planning agent supported the alternative route.

Members’ debate

Members supported the development in principle but were concerned that approval without safe pedestrian access would harm Chard and future residents.

“The Chard Eastern Relief Road was a project deliverable of the SSDC Local Plan. Local Government Reorganisation in Somerset has had an impact, and at this time the status of the project is unknown. • Members should consider the access arrangements for the site in question, under current policy, and not how this access might be used for developments that may come forward in the future. • The site is not an SSDC Local Plan allocated site.”

“There was a lengthy debate, and whilst the committee felt supportive of the principle of development, some members expressed their disappointment that a footpath along the A30 will not be delivered, and felt that to approve the application without safe pedestrian access would be doing a huge disservice to Chard and the people who will be occupying the estate.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to approve the application with an additional safe-access condition was seconded and carried unanimously.

“The Footpath link discussions continued, and the Development Management Area Manager advised that it would be lawful for the committee to impose a Grampian style condition whereby the homes could not be occupied until safe pedestrian access onto the A30 could be achieved. Cllr Wale approved of this recommendation and made a proposal to approve the application as per the officer’s report, with the proposed new footpath onto Oaklands Avenue, and subject to an additional…”

Minutes