Nearly 100 homes could still be built in small Somerset village as …
Nearly 100 new homes could still be built in a small Somerset village after an appeal was lodged by the developer. The Crossman Group applied in December 2021 for permission to build up to 97 homes[1] on the B3167 Perry Street in South Chard[2], a stone’s throw from the Somerset[3]–Dorset[4] border.
The plans – which were subsequently revised down to 95 homes[5] – were roundly refused by Somerset Council[6]‘s planning committee south in late-June, with councillors citing concerns about over-development, road safety and the impact on the nearby rivers[7]. The Bath[8]-based developer has now formally lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to overturn this decision – with a public inquiry expected to held in the new year.
The site lies between Perry Street and Factory Lane, not far from the former Chard Junction railway station[9], and forms part of the wider Tatworth area. While the initial proposals indicated an access road leading from the northern end of Perry Street, the amended plans instead has the main access being from the south-western corner, near the existing junction with School Lane.
The current bus stop near the School Lane junction will be moved a few yards down the road, with pedestrian and cycling access being provided at both the northern and southern ends of the site. The new homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses – and of the 95 homes planned within the site, 33 will be affordable.
As part of the plans, the developer has promised to provide more than £894,000 for local education – including nearly £334,000 to ensure sufficient capacity at Holyrood Academy[12] and more than £502,000 towards a future primary school within Chard[13]. The company has also promised £36,288 towards local doctors’ surgeries, and more than £149,000 towards play equipment, sports facilities and public open space in the wider Chard and Tatworth area.
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Both Chard South division members objected to the plans when the council’s planning committee south (which handles major applications in the former South Somerset area[19]) met in Yeovil[20] on June 27. Councillor Connor Payne – who has been spearheading a campaign to reopen Chard Junction railway station[21] – said: “It seems the developers don’t know that we’ve only got one Morrisons[22] in our village and that’s about it – when it comes to amenity, there’s very little.
“I’m opposing this because of its suitability – we don’t want to add to the flooding problem. We don’t want Dyke Hill to become any busier than it is.”
Councillor Jason Baker added: “I strongly believe there are a lot of people in Tatworth who would like to see more affordable housing – but not one of them said on this site. I feel this is on the wrong side of the road – it’s an extension of the village rather than infill.”
Plans for 95 homes on the B3167 Perry Street in South Chard (Image: Angus Meek Architects)
The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the matter will be decided by a public inquiry, rather than through written representations – though a date for this inquiry has not yet been set.
To make a formal statement ahead of the inquiry, visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and quote appeal number 3329095 before November 21.
References
- ^ applied in December 2021 for permission to build up to 97 homes (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Chard (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Somerset (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Dorset (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ which were subsequently revised down to 95 homes (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Somerset Council (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ councillors citing concerns about over-development, road safety and the impact on the nearby rivers (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bath (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ the former Chard Junction railway station (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Council’s dithering could lead to more than 250 new Yeovil homes (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Cricket club extension among new Somerset planning applications (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Holyrood Academy (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ a future primary school within Chard (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select ‘Join Community’. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ the former South Somerset area (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Yeovil (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ who has been spearheading a campaign to reopen Chard Junction railway station (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Morrisons (www.somersetlive.co.uk)