COUNCIL officials have defended their decision to not contest a planning appeal over the development of 315 homes near Wellington - because it would be a lost cause at great expense to the taxpayer.
Gladman Developments was due to argue its case to build on countryside, off Exeter Road, in Rockwell Green, at a public inquiry initially scheduled for March 11. But County Hall planners said they will not be able to “successfully defend” itself at the hearing due, in part, to an increase in housing targets.
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.
“Recently, the council launched its ‘call for sites’ as an initial step in creating a new Local Plan for Somerset. This plan is likely to prioritise the development of brownfield land in sustainable locations.”
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.”