A MAJOR development in a desirable Somerset village could still go ahead after revised plans were put forward.

C. & P. Developments (Wedmore) Ltd. applied in July 2020 to build up to 34 new homes on the B3139 Wells Road in Wedmore, at the eastern edge of the village.

After nearly four years of consultation and lengthy negotiations with planning officers (which saw the number of homes reduced to 30), Somerset Council’s planning committee north (which makes decisions on major plans in the former Sedgemoor area) voted to turn down the proposals, citing concerns about highway safety and the negative impact on the village’s characters.

The developer has now submitted a fresh application for 30 homes on the same site – with the council expected to make a decision by the end of the year.

The site lies on the main road between Highbridge and Wells, a short distance from the Mendip Scout Base and the village’s allotments.

Of the 30 planned properties, ten will be affordable – with four plots being set aside for self-build projects.

The original plans were refused by the committee in part due to the site’s “elevated position and location on the rural edge of the settlement”, with locals and councillors fearing it would “detrimentally impact” the character of Wedmore and create road safety issues.

In a bid to overcome these problems, the developer has amended the design of six of the building plots, placing them in what they claim is a less visually prominent part of the site.

A spokesman for Property Link (representing the applicant) said: “The site frontage is not only is set back from Wells Road with public open space, landscaping and a children’s play area.

“The roofs have been redesigned and lowered to a similar height or lower than that of the existing dwellings opposite the site, and there is a separation between the proposed buildings of 24 metres.

“The site is located within a 30mph speed limit with existing dwellings on all sides; the application is therefore classed an infill site.

“The proposals deliver a low density development with an abundance of green
space and a rural feel.”

Wedmore has seen significant housing growth over the last decade, ranging from the Wedmore Grange development delivered by Strongvox Homes (north of the B3139 Blackford Road) to the Cross Farm development of 16 homes provided by LiveWest.

The council is expected to make a decision on the revised proposals after the summer.