THE refusal of plans for 20 new homes in Beckington, near Frome, has been appealed, with a date announced for the inquiry.

On March 3, a planning inspector will consider the refusal in July last year of an application by Cotswold Homes Ltd and Redrow Homes Ltd to develop land at Great Dunns Close.

Having initially deferred making a decision, Somerset Council’s planning east committee refused the scheme – despite an officer’s recommendation of approval – on July 1 last year citing concerns over the impact on heritage assets, river water quality, and “perceived disproportionate growth of the village”, appeal documents said.

“The application was taken to committee following months of engagement and amendments to the scheme, the result of which left the scheme with no outstanding technical objections ahead of Committee from the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA), Wessex Water or the Environment Agency,” it went on.

However, the added how the firms said the objections “do not warrant refusal of the development and do not override the benefits to be delivered by the scheme”.

The inspector is expected to hear evidence in relation to the reasons for refusal, including from an expert on “drainage and foul water matters” in a bid to address the issues.

The inquiry will be held in The Committee Room, at the Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, from 10am on March 3.

Members of the public may attend and, at the discretion of the inspector, express their views.

To register your attendance, email planningappealseast@somerset.gov.uk, or call 01749 341588 in advance.

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