THE housing appeal for more than 200 homes in Wellington is start to restart next week.

Gladman Developments Ltd applied for permission to build 205 homes on land near Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, but Taunton Deane planners refused the application in April as it fell outside of the allocated development area.

Gladman then decided to appeal the decision, and the public enquiry which started on February 13 and was expected to last four days.

But proceedings were adjourned until April 24 on the second day after Sarah Reid, of King’s Chambers, speaking on behalf of Gladman, caused contention with a point she made during her opening statement.Within the statement, she said that Taunton Deane’s development plan was “silent” on meeting the needs of the elderly.

The point was raised in response to evidence given by TDBC planning officer, Matt Bale, who said: “There is no specific development plan requirement for this type of provision.”

At the time, Planning inspector Phillip Ware, said: “It is clear there are a number of issues we have to deal with. Firstly, both parties could not reach an agreement about the requirements for the needs of the elderly and so that needs to be addressed. I will adjourn this inquiry so the relevant documents and information can be exchanged between the two parties.”

The appeal will recommence on Tuesday, April 24, at 10am.

One councillor believes the decision has potential to influence other appeals taking place.

He says it would become 'open season' for other developers that have been rejected for not being included in the Deane's Site Allocation Development map.

Wellington and county Cllr John Thorne said: "Victory for Gladman could be a catastrophe for the whole of Taunton Deane.

"If the developer wins this appeal, then every community across the Deane will be at risk of unwanted housing developments.

"Because, it would rip up the Deane’s existing masterplan showing where new housing should go, and mean that almost every vacant plot of land could be at risk of other developers following suit.

"It would literally be open season in the Deane for house builders.

"I am aware already that Gladman has a very similar scheme lined up in Creech St Michael, just outside my county council division.

"I am sure many other developers will want to jump on the bandwagon if this appeal succeeds."