Developer wins appeal for Somerset housing scheme

A developer has won its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to build 180 houses in Midsomer Norton, Somerset.

Persimmon Homes Wessex had its outline application rejected by a Somerset Council planning committee last year, but this has now been overturned.

The developer is now expected to submit a reserved matters application in due course, setting out more detailed proposals for the scheme.

The site, which borders Midsomer Norton from the south, comes under Somerset Council, though the town itself is in Bath & North East Somerset council area.

Persimmon Homes Wessex’s deputy managing director, Seb Spiller, said: “We are delighted to announce that we’ve received outline planning permission to provide high-quality, new housing solutions for local people in the Midsomer Norton area.

“With Somerset facing a severe housing crisis, this project is an exciting opportunity to mitigate this challenge by building these essential homes for local people.

“This is complimented by a substantial number of these homes being transferred to a local housing association partner, helping tackle the county’s substantial housing waiting list, subject to the approval of our reserved matters application.

“Persimmon looks forward to continuing our work with stakeholders at Somerset Council as we seek to deliver quality new homes, jobs, and infrastructure for local communities.”

Persimmon Homes Wessex put forward outline plans in March 2022 to build up to 190 new homes on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton.

Following negotiations with Somerset Council’s planning officers, the number of homes was reduced to 180 before the proposals came before the planning committee for approval.

Last August, after two years of work, the committee voted to refuse the plans, citing over-development, “poor access to services” and a lack of local employment opportunities.