Plans to build more than 20 new homes on the edge of Shepton Mallet have been thrown out – because they would harm nearby trees.

The Pegasus Planning Group submitted plans in May to build 22 homes at the western end of Westhay Lane, at the southern edge of Shepton Mallet.

Locals criticised the proposals, arguing the homes are not in a sensible location and will lead to many local species being displaced or destroyed.

Mendip District Council has now turned the plans down, arguing they would damaging existing trees, fail to reflect the town's character and possibly worsen the ongoing phosphates crisis.

Access to the planned development would have been near the existing bend on Westhay Lane, with 48 parking spaces being provided throughout the site.

Of the 22 homes that were proposed, seven will be affordable – narrowly exceeding the council's target of 30 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more.

The site lies outside the settlement boundary of Shepton Mallet and was not allocated for housing in either the Local Plan Part I (which was approved in December 2014) or the Local Plan Part II (approved in December 2021).

Shepton Mallet Town Council had objected to the plans, with town clerk Paula Robertson criticising the "poor quality of design and impact on traffic generation", claiming the development was "out of keeping with the area" and the social housing would not be properly integrated.

The plans were refused by the council's planning officers through their delegated powers, rather than a public decision by its planning board.

Julie Reader-Sullivan, the county's head of service for planning and growth, identified four reasons why the plans had been refused:

• The developer has provided "insufficient information" about whether the homes would lead to an increase in phosphate levels on the Somerset Levels and Moors – and if so, how this would be addressed and mitigated
• The development does not deliver sufficient public open space and does not "demonstrate appreciation of the built and natural context" of that part of Shepton Mallet
• The developer has failed to demonstrate the new homes would not have "a significant and unacceptably harmful impact" on trees next to the site and the wider landscape
• The developer has not provided sufficient legal guarantees to secure affordable housing and contributions to local schools and health services

The Pegasus Planning Group has not yet indicated whether it intends to appeal the council's decision.

Plans For 22 Homes On Westhay Lane In Shepton Mallet. CREDIT: Pegasus Planning Group.