Plans to build 120 homes on the ex-Greencore factory site in the centre of Evercreech have been turned down by Mendip District Council.

An initial application for Outline Planning Permission with all matters reserved except access, appearance, layout and scale, for all existing buildings and equipment other than Kemps Mill which will be retained as flexible Class E/F2 floorspace, and the building of 120 residential dwellings, together with open space, vehicular and pedestrian accesses, landscaping and related infrastructure and engineering works at the former Greencore Factory, Prestleigh Road, Evercreech, had been submitted by West Estates Development Ltd.

Food manufacturer Greencore closed its factory on Prestleigh Road, Evercreech, in October 2018 at a cost of around 400 jobs.

The Creamery building and Kemps Mill to the southern end lie within the Evercreech Conservation Area and much of the south-west and south-eastern sides of the site abuts the Conservation Area. Batts House and the attached shop to the west which adjoin the site are Grade II listed.

The application was initially submitted in outline with all matters except access reserved, however revised during the life of the application to address officers' concerns that given the circumstances of the case, particularly with regard to the proximity to listed buildings and the fact that the site falls within the Evercreech Conservation Area, Mendip did not consider that the application should be considered separately from the layout, scale and appearance.

Additionally, revisions were made to retain the Kemps Mill and alter the housing numbers and other technical matters and details.

In refusing the proposals, the planning officer's report said: "The proposed development would result in the loss of employment land on an established employment site in a primary village for which no exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated through adequate marketing or otherwise.

"The small scale of flexible commercial business and services and local community use proposed in favour of a predominantly housing led scheme, where there is no additional housing need, would not align with the outcomes of the pre-application engagement with the district council and parish council and fails to meet the aspirations of the Local Plan and the local community for a mixed-use scheme which delivers adequate local employment opportunities and community space to help ensure the vitality and sustainability of the village and wider district.

"The proposal through the quantum of development being proposed - loss of undesignated heritage assets, impact on trees worthy of retention without adequate compensatory tree planting, and the layout, design and materials - fails to represent a scheme that demonstrates an appreciation of the built and natural context of the locality and to contribute positively to the maintenance and enhancement of local identify and distinctiveness of the area."

Planning applications in the Shepton Mallet area that have been submitted this week to Mendip District Council include:

Conversion of barn into holiday let on land at Tadhill Lane, Stoke St Michael, is wanted by Mr C Matton.

Application to vary condition 2 (Drawings) of planning approval 2020/1240/FUL (Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a replacement dwelling with associated works) at White Oak Farm, Strap Lane, North Brewham, has been made by Jono and Zoe Ekin.

Works to trees in a Conservation Area: A - Willow - Removal of large limbs, B - Willow - Thin crown cutting limbs at Barrowfields House, Barrow Lane, Pilton, are wanted by Mr Leach.

Planning applications in the Shepton Mallet area that have been decided by Mendip District Council this week include:

Proposed alterations to redundant barns at Brook House, Westcombe Road, Stoney Stratton, by Mr J Reynolds have been approved.

Conversion of stone barn to a dwelling house and erection of a single storey extension at Barrington House, Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, by Mrs Hannah Smith has been refused.

Demolition of existing barn with Class C3 Consent and replacement with a new dwelling and access driveway at Ham Wood Farm, Thrupe Lane, Masbury, by Ms Sarah Brennan has been approved.

Change of use of land from agricultural to facilitate the use as residential land with associated access and parking on land east of Rose Farm, Charlton Road, Holcombe, by Mrs M Gregory has been approved.

Erection of single storey detached double garage at 1 Field View Cottages, Edford Hill, Holcombe, by Ms L Robinson has been approved.

Window repairs to historic leaded windows of Stokes Building at Downside School, Fosse Way, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, by Mr Martin Holden have been approved.

Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to five dwellinghouses (Use Class C3) comprising four smaller dwellings and a larger dwelling, and for associated operational development at Manor Farm, Dairy Pound Lane, Downhead, by Mr and Mrs J Cartledge has been refused.

Erection of single storey porch on the front elevation of the existing dwelling at Owls Hatch, New Road, Wraxall, by Mr Andy Harrod has been approved.

Non-material amendment to permission 2021/1549/HSE (Alterations and the construction of rear and side extensions, replacement of porch, demolition of existing garage, erection of new garage and reconfiguration of driveway and parking and turning area) at Whitecroft Farm, Fosse Way, Pylle, by Dave Millington has been approved.