Plan for homes on Cheddar green field refused

Numerous developers have attempted in the last decade to secure permission to build homes at Steart Bushes on Wedmore Road at the southern end of the village, writes Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby.

Horizon Construction Ltd., which is based in Nailsea, put forward the latest attempt to develop the site, comprising 17 homes and six flats to make a total of 23 properties.

But Sedgemoor District Council has refused permission once again, arguing the flats would “fail to conserve and reinforce the local character” of Cheddar.

The site lies between Wedmore Road and the Steart Farm site, where Keepmoat Homes intends to deliver 58 new homes after acquiring the site from Sainsbury’s.

The plans for new homes. Pictures: Avec Design

Access would have been from the western end of Wedmore Road, with green buffers being provided between the site and the nearby Cheddar Business Park, as well as the proposed homes to the south.

A spokesman for Avec Design (representing the applicant) said this was “a sustainable and well-designed development” which would “enhance the vitality of the town [sic].”

However, the council’s planning officers disagreed, refusing permission on two grounds through their delegated powers.

The planned block of six flats would “fail to conserve and reinforce local character and distinctiveness” and “does not provide a positive response to the identity of the area”

The developer has not carried out ecological surveys to determine how protected species will be affected by the construction.

This is the fifth time that plans for the Steart Bushes site have been refused, either by planning officers or the council’s development committee, since 2013.

Crest Nicholson (South West) Ltd. – which is currently delivering the Grange Meadows development in Cannington – was refused permission for 28 homes on the site by the development committee in September 2013, a decision which was subsequently upheld by the Planning Inspectorate following an appeal.

The development committee also refused plans by LITT Holdings for 21 homes in January 2016.

Planning officers subsequently turned down proposals for 21 homes in March 2019 (from Cheddar Homes Ltd.) and 19 homes in November 2021 (proposed by Highridge Construction Ltd.).

Cheddar is already experiencing significant housing growth, with permission in places for 96 homes on the A371 Upper New Road (approved in January), 60 homes on Helliers’ Lane (approved in May 2021), and 100 homes and a 60-bed care home on the former Yeo Valley site on Axbridge Road (approved in November 2020).

Gladman Developments sought to build a further 115 homes on the B3151 Lower Road, but these plans were refused in May after a four-year wait.

The council recently submitted (with Mendip District Council) a £19.3M bid to the government’s levelling up fund, which includes an extension of the Strawberry Line between the A371 Station Road and Old Bridge Lane to provide a link between the village centre and new developments.