PLANNERS have confirmed they will not stand in the way of developers behind unpopular plans to build 315 new houses on land in Rockwell Green.
Officials stated in December 2023 how Gladman Developments’ proposal to build the homes and a convenience store in open countryside off Exeter Road could not be supported by planning policy.
However, cash-strapped Somerset Council has this week confirmed it ‘is not contesting’ the housebuilder’s appeal which was due to be settled by a public inquiry in early-March this year.
The Wellington Weekly News has asked the council to explain why this decision has been made, how much it might cost to fight the appeal, and what is being done to promote alternative, brownfield sites for development across the county.
Correspondence from Gary Collins, development management at Somerset Council, attached to various documents in relation to the application on the council’s planning portal, states: “The council has considered its position in relation to this appeal, with particular regard to the revised National Planning Policy Framework. As a result, the council is not contesting the appeal. Instead, the council is working with the appellants on a suitable S106 agreement and an agreed set of conditions.”
The agreement conditions include allocating 25 per cent of the new homes as ‘affordable’, providing open space, allotments and a play area, a financial contribution of between £2,283.07 and £4,118.73 per dwelling towards education, a separate financial contribution per house to NHS Somerset, and cash pledges to matters which may arise through the planning process.
A statement of common ground, also attached to the planning documents, explained how the 13-week statutory period for determining the application’s proposals expired on January 15, 2024, and parties agreed extending this period numerous times. Gladman stated the reason for appealing: “No decision was made within the statutory time period (as extended) and no defined reasons for refusal were identified. The appellant has therefore exercised its right to appeal on the grounds of non-determination.”
Various residents at nearby Dobree Park have voice objections to the plan, citing concerns over an increased flood risk, more pressure on schools, healthcare services, and roads, as well as the overdevelopment of Rockwell Green. Steve Godwell, whose letter of objection is attached to the planning documents, said: “This is just about pure profiteering at the expense of an already-stretched local community.”