A controversial planning application to build more than 20 homes on the edge of Shepton Mallet has been refused.

The application by Pegasus Homes to build 22 homes at the western end of Westhay Lane, at the southern edge of the town received opposition from local residents who said it would be a "criminal" loss of green space and wildlife if it was given the go-ahead.

Mendip District Council planners cited four main reasons for refusing the plans:

1.    Insufficient information has been submitted to assess whether the proposal would result in an unacceptable increase in phosphate levels within the foul water discharge. Additionally, the ecological surveys are out of date.

2.    The scheme fails to deliver sufficient useable, on-site public space.

3.    The proposal has failed to demonstrate that the development would not have a significant and unacceptable harmful impact on existing trees adjacent to the site which make a significant contribution to the character of the area and wider landscape.

4.    The proposal would not make adequate provision for affordable housing, travel plan measures, education services & school provision and the provision of public open space.

The application by Pegasus Homes to build 22 homes at the western end of Westhay Lane, at the southern edge of the town received opposition from local residents who said it would be a "criminal" loss of green space and wildlife if it was given the go-ahead.

Other planning news from in and around Shepton

Applications validated

College Barn, Benter Cross To Upper Benter, Stratton On The Fosse

Erection of a single storey side extension 

Cannards Grave Farmhouse, Whitstone Hill To Fosse Way, Shepton Mallet

Application for a non-material amendment to permission 2020/0033/FUL for the visibility splay

Dean Farm, Dallimore Lane, Dean

Barn Conversion to residential dwelling

Southmead Farm, Charlton Road, Holcombe

Prior Approval for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) and for associated operational development

Land At 364752 148162 Bath Road, Oakhill

Approval of details reserved by condition 3 (surface treatment to new access track) on planning consent 2022/0593/FUL.

The Cottage, Platterwell Lane, Pilton

Single Storey Rear Extension, Single Storey Front Porch and conversion of derelict Hayloft into Annex.

Applications decided

Shandor, Church Lane, Evercreech

Application for a non-material amendment to permission 2021/1567/HSE for the alteration of fenestrations, additional timber cladding and increase in eaves hight on front extension

Decision: Approval

Manor Farm, Hay Street, Ston Easton

Application for prior notification of agricultural development for a proposed building.

Decision: Prior Approval Refused

1 Apple Meadow View, Park Hayes, Leigh On Mendip

Approval of details reserved by conditions 11 (Roofing) & 12 (External Walls) on planning consent 2021/2649/FUL.

Decision: Approval

1 Sheppards Walk, Chilcompton

Erection of single storey rear extension.

Decision: Approval

Greystones, Holcombe Hill, Holcombe

Erection of single-storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory.

Decision: Approval

Park House, 4 Park Road, Shepton Mallet 

Reinstatement of chimney stack above the roof

Decision: Approval

Woodbourne House, West Shepton, Shepton Mallet

Replacement rear porch, create a ground floor WC , an en-suite to master bedroom, roof insulation and replacement rooflight

Decision: Approval

Land South West Of Westway Lane, Shepton Mallet

Application for Outline Planning Permission with some matters reserved for demolition of existing buildings and erection of up to 22 no. dwellings, public open space and associated infrastructure with details of access.

Decision: Refusal