A SPECIAL meeting has been called to discuss the implications a recent planning appeal will have on Wellington.

The meeting of Wellington Town Council will take place on Monday, August 13, to have an in-depth discussion regarding the planning application for 205 homes at Bagley Road.

Taunton Deane Borough Council's legal team backed down on its arguments for rejecting the application in April last year during the appeal which took place in July.

The council initially refused the application, from land promoters Gladman Ltd, for 205 homes and 60 care apartments stating myriad of reasons, including it being outside of the settlement area.

But the Deane's legal team U-turned on their arguments, stating Gladman 'adequately addressed' the issues.


RELATED: Council throws in the towel over 200-home Bagley Road planning appeal


Interested parties, including the public, can gather at the United Reform Church, Fore Street, at 5.30pm, where Cllr Richard Parish, portfolio holder for planning policy and transport, and assistant director of planning and environment, Tim Burton, are expected to attend.

Somerset County Gazette: Land just off of Bagley Road in Wellington has been turned down for development.

Bagley Road, Rockwell Green 

The councillors discussed the matter at the monthly town council meeting on Monday, August 6.

Cllr Marcus Barr questioned whether Wellington was doing its duty as a town to build enough houses.

He said: "These houses have got to go somewhere.

"The core strategy is out of date.

"Wellington has not built its share of new houses."

Cllr Ross Henley extended the invitation to Taunton Deane's leader, John Williams, and asked him to come and 'defend' his authority's decisions of 'failing' the town.

Cllr William Brown said: "I disagree, I don't think it was a failure of Taunton Deane. It was the legal team's decision. I don't think any political party would have done it any differently."

Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Gary James, halted the debate before it got into full swing to allow for a full discussion at Monday night's meeting, but said Cllr Williams was invited if he wished to attend.