Lochailort Investments Planning applications for Fortescue Fields
Published: 27 January 2025
The Inspector’s decisions on the three Planning Appeals were published on 24th January 2024. These were:
1). 30 dwellings on Laverton Triangle and field to the south. (Application 2023/0644).
2). 27 dwellings on the same site. (Application 2023/0643)
3). 8 dwellings on the field adjacent to Church Mead. (Application 2023/0640).
The Main issues listed by the Inspector for all Appeals were: -
- the effects of the schemes on biodiversity, protected species and designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs);
- whether the location of the development would accord with the development plan, and whether the scheme would be sustainably located having regard to the accessibility of the settlement and the available range of everyday facilities;
- the effects of the proposal on the landscape character and visual amenities of the area, including the village setting of Norton St Philip and whether the schemes would constitute good design; and
- the effects of the proposal on the significance of heritage assets, including the Conservation Area, George Inn and Church.
The Inspector concluded that “‘the proposals conflict with the development plan when taken as a whole’. However, she considered that the benefits, especially the provision of housing, carried ‘great weight’ at a time of an “acute shortfall” in Somerset Council’s housing supply position. She took into account the recent changes in National Policy which have resulted in a less than two-year supply against the five-year requirement.
The potentially harmful effects on the ecology and biodiversity are given very great weight. The Inspector agreed with Natural England’s view that the effect on bats had not been properly considered, finding that there was “reason to doubt the integrity” of the surveys submitted by Lochailort. She also found that the schemes did not result in “no net loss” of biodiversity.
Had these Appeals been allowed it would likely have halted the progress of the draft Neighbourhood Plan. This has completed its consultation stages and its Examination should commence shortly. If it passes Examination and is adopted following a Parish Referendum it will form part of the Development Plan and provide substantial protection against speculative development.
I would like to express my grateful thanks to everyone who supported the Parish Council in its long opposition to these applications. Without your support it would have been very difficult to have achieved this outcome. Full details of the appeal decisions will be published on the Parish Council website.
Ian Hasell, Chairman Norton St. Philip Parish Council