Plan for 180 homes on ‘one of the best fields’ in county approved

Plans to build 180 homes on a field described by one councillor as “one of the best” in Somerset have been approved by the council.

Persimmon Homes Wessex applied for outline permission to build on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton in 2022 but the plans were refused due to “poor access to services” and over-development concerns.

The decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in March and revised plans, put forward by the developer, have now been given the green light by planning officers.

Construction is due to begin by the spring with the first homes expected to be occupied by the end of 2026.

More than 50 of the homes will be affordable and all will be equipped with solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Persimmon has promised to provide nearly £84,000 towards new special needs school places in Midsomer Norton, nearly £180,000 towards school transport costs, and a little more than £80,000 for local GP surgeries.

A number of people voiced concerns at the beginning of 2024 including councillor Philip Ham who described the site as “one of the best fields in Somerset”.

But over Christmas the revised plans were approved through the delegated powers of the council’s planning officers rather than a public decision by its planning committee, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officer Jennifer Alvis stated in her written report that there were “no material reasons to refuse the application”.

In a statement on social media, a Persimmon spokesperson said the “exciting scheme” will deliver a “varied mix of homes to meet local needs”.

“This approval marks an important step in creating a sustainable, well-connected community for Somerset,” they added.