by Daniel Mumby.

A DEVELOPMENT of 80 “inappropriate” homes could still be built near Taunton if a planning appeal proves successful.

Hallam Land Management originally put forward plans in October 2021 for the homes and a “local centre” north of Dene Road, in Cotford St Luke.

Somerset West and Taunton Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in July to block the plans, criticising the loss of green space and arguing the commercial element would threaten the existing heart of the village.

But the developer appealed this decision and the Planning Inspectorate intends to hold a public inquiry.

The site is allocated within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2040, as one of three sites to deliver housing in Cotford St Luke.

A new access road north of Dene Road would have been created, near the existing junction with North Villas, with pedestrian access provided at the eastern end of Dene Road and near existing homes on Manning Road.

Of the proposed homes, 20 would be affordable.

To prevent an increase in phosphate levels on the Somerset Levels and Moors, a small area of land outside the village would be fallowed “in perpetuity”, with no cattle being grazed or crops grown there in the future.

Several councillors criticised the plans when the planning committee met in Taunton in July.

Cllr John Hassall, who represents Cotford St. Luke, said: “There’s a lousy bus service – one every two hours.

“Another 80 houses means 160 people, so it’s either going to be 100-plus cars or a lot more people wanting public transport, or both.

“The road is quite a dangerous road. The top end is very busy on occasion, and there’s a couple of bends on it where, if you’ve got a lot more traffic, you’re likely to have more accidents.”

Cllr Roger Habgood said: “I understand the developer is quite rightly looking at making sure there are amenities, but there is a centre to Cotford St. Luke. Moving that centre and having another ‘village centre’ doesn’t make sense to me.”

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed the appeal will be decided through a public inquiry, rather than written representation.

The inquiry is scheduled to begin on December 6 and could last up to four days, including a site visit – with the decision expected to be published in early-2023.

To make a statement, visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and search for planning appeal 3304839.