Plans to build nine new bungalows on land off Starling Way in Shepton Mallet have been refused by Somerset Council due to concerns over the environmental impact on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

The proposed development, submitted by London and Regional Capital Limited, sought "Permission in Principle" (PIP) to erect single-storey dwellings on a 0.49-hectare site, with the remainder of the land set aside for public open space.

However, Somerset Council cited the risk of phosphate pollution from surface and foul water, which could threaten the conservation status of the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site—a wetland area of international significance.

The council's refusal hinges on legislation that restricts development likely to affect protected habitats, which places the site within an "area of risk."

A Somerset Council spokesperson explained: "In this case, the proposed development falls within an environmentally sensitive zone where additional phosphate loading could significantly impact the condition of the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site. As a result, this application is considered 'habitats development' and cannot proceed through the planning in principle process."

The developer had outlined a range of measures intended to mitigate potential environmental harm, including a draft Section 106 agreement, which proposed securing phosphate credits to offset any impact on the site. They also offered to transfer ownership of additional land adjacent to the site to the council to be maintained as public open space for five years.