A housing plan for nearly 150 homes near Crewkerne faces appeal after being rejected due to privacy, flooding, and design issues.
Tilia Homes bought the land and proposed 89 houses in 2022, calling it Maple Grove. The council said no in early 2023.Tilia Homes tried again in June 2023.
The council rejected it again in July 2024 due to worries about privacy and flooding issues. Now, Tilia Homes is appealing the decision, and the Planning Inspectorate will decide by year’s end. The land is near Cathole Bridge Road.
Houses would connect to Lang Road, with a new road built across from Manor Road. The houses would be near Kithill homes, and land near the railway will stay open to the public.
Original plans called for 150 houses, but this was reduced to 145 after talks. Paths to the train station will stay open. Trains go to Yeovil and Axminster.
The council rejected the plans itself, not via committee, feeling the design was poor and too uniform. They cited parking issues and felt it compromised open spaces. The council thought gardens were too small and worried about overlooking problems.
They wanted more details on flood prevention and also needed more info on protecting the Moors. Pegasus Planning spoke for Tilia Homes.
They say the project fits the area and argue it will help the community. They believe it is good for the environment.
Crewkerne could grow a lot soon, with several housing projects in progress. One project, Wool Gardens, will have 635 homes and include shops and care facilities. Another company wants to build 300 more homes west of Station Road. Parking and shops are also proposed. The Planning Inspectorate will review documents.