SOMERSET residents have won their latest battle to stop more homes being built near the Gravity site after a brace of appeals were withdrawn.

Gladman Developments applied to build a total of 220 homes across two sites in the village of Woolavington near Bridgwater, a stone’s throw from the new enterprise zone which is currently being constructed.

Two appeals were lodged against Sedgemoor District Council in late-July 2020 on the grounds of non-determination – meaning the council did not make a decision in the allotted period of time.

The developer has now withdrawn both appeals – though revised plans for each of the sites are still to be debated by councillors.

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Under both the current and previous plans, the 220 homes would have been split over two sites at opposite ends of the village – 125 houses to the north of Cossington Lane, and one for 95 homes on Woolavington Road.

The developers’ decision to withdraw the appeals was confirmed in papers published before a meeting of the council’s development committee on June 22 – though no reason has been given for the withdrawal.

Following the appeals being lodged, Gladman put forward revised proposals for the same number of houses on each site, which have yet to come before the committee for a final decision.

Such a move is standard procedure for developers, giving the local authority an opportunity to reconsider the proposals before waging a potentially costly legal battle.

In June 2020, the council opted not to contest an appeal by Flower and Hayes Ltd. regarding new homes on the B3139 Walrow in Highbridge after the number of proposed dwellings was reduced from 47 to 46.

In the latest Woolavington plans, Gladman has promised to meet the council’s target for 30 per cent affordable homes on any new major development – delivering 38 and 29 on Woolavington Road.

Numerous local residents have already objected to the plans, citing the lack of infrastructure in the village and the increase in vehicle movements the new homes would bring.

Len Gibbs, of Woolavington Hill, said: “I don’t think Woolavington needs so many new houses (especially now we’re going to get a load of houses at the south of the village) and I don’t think there’s any justification for building over a green field site.

“There’s virtually no employment to be had in the local area, and I’m worried that the development will bring an increase in traffic levels.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

The council granted permission in September 2020 for a further 175 homes on the B3141 Woolavington Hill, which will include the creation of a new roundabout to replace the existing junction with the A39 Bath Road.

Susan Cripps, of Southfield Close, said: “The density proposed is far too high for a rural environment.

“We do not want a continuous ribbon development stretching along the Polden Hills. Under these plans, one field would separate us from Cossington.

“Each village must retain its own identity and remain a village, and not become a commuter belt or satellite zone for Bridgwater with no facilities and resources.”

Sarah Winslade, of Devonshire Street, added: “The road systems will not cope with the eco-park, the traffic coming through from Highbridge and other housing.

“It’s just not viable. Already people are moving out as they don’t want to be part of this.”

The development committee is expected to make a decision on both Gladman proposals later in the year.