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, Somerset Council has confirmed it ‘is not contesting’ the housebuilder’s appeal which was due to be settled by a public inquiry on March 11 this year. The authority has said it will not be able to “successfully defend” its decision at the appeal due to an increase in housing targets.
Correspondence from Gary Collins, development management at Somerset Council, attached to the planning application, 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.”
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 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: “The appellant has therefore exercised its right to appeal on the grounds of non-determination.”
Dobree Park residents have voiced 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.
Somerset Council told the Wellington Weekly News: “Following Gladman's appeal against non-determination, the council has carefully reconsidered its position regarding the Public Inquiry.
“Senior legal advice has indicated that, due to the publication of the Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which significantly increases the housing targets for the former Taunton Deane area of Somerset, the council cannot successfully defend the appeal for the housing development at the site. The advice suggests that opposing the development at the Inquiry would not only be a losing cause, costing local taxpayers but could also result in the council being required to pay the developers' costs for acting unreasonably.
“The council will ensure that the development includes conditions and a legal agreement to secure suitable contributions for affordable housing, education, active travel measures, and overall quality development.