Councillors throw out 'awful' bid to build homes near pig farm

PLANS for 40 new homes near a working pig farm in Somerset have been refused - for the second time in three months.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

Rubix Strategic Ltd put forward plans in April 2024 for a new development of 40 homes on the B3081 Prestleigh Road in the small village of Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet.

Somerset Council's planning committee east (which handles major applications within the former Mendip area) voted to refuse planning permission in early-August 2025, arguing the development would erode the village's character and lead to an increase in localised flooding.

The plans returned to the same committee on November 4, after the applicant had provided additional information regarding odour from the nearby farm, arguing that the impact on the new residents would be minimal.

But committee members stood by their original decision and threw the plans out for a second time - with one councillor describing the plan as “awful” and “unacceptable”.

The site lies on the northern side of Prestleigh Road, within walking distance of the former Greencore factory, where permission for 118 homes, commercial space and a community hub were refused on appeal in July 2024.

The site was previously intended to provide 56 homes and a convenience store, but these proposals - put forward by M7 Planning Ltd - were withdrawn in June 2023.

Access to the new homes would have been onto Prestleigh Road, with the majority of the properties being congregated near the existing properties on Maesdown Road.