Developer wins appeal over bid to construct 30 new homes in village

A LOCAL village will be getting 30 new houses in the near-future following a successful planning appeal.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

Artist's impression of 30 homes on Church Street in Keinton Mandeville

(Orme Architecture)

Galion Homes put forward plans in February 2021 to build 30 homes to the north of Church Street in Keinton Mandeville, near Somerton, with an existing bungalow being demolished to provide access.

Somerset Council's planning committee south (which handles major applications in the former South Somerset area) narrowly voted to refuse the plans shortly before Christmas 2024, arguing it was "unwanted" by local people and would damage the character of the local area.

The Planning Inspectorate has now overturned this decision, giving the Glastonbury-based developer the green light to begin construction in the new year.

The plans entail the demolition of the bungalow Oriana to provide a new vehicular access into the site, which comprises green space to the north of Church Street.

Two additional pedestrian accesses will be provided as part of the plans - one on to Queen Street to the east, and one onto Lunns Close and the existing public right of way to the west.

Of the 30 new homes planned for the site, 11 will be affordable, exceeding the council's target of 35 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more in this part of Somerset.