PLANS to build a new housing development at the edge of Wells have been refused over concerns the development would reduce the gap between Wells and Haybridge, merging the two together.

Developer Gladman Developments submitted an outline application to build 78 houses with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system and vehicular access point for fields off Wookey Hole Road – in the green gap between Wells and Haybridge.

But officers at Somerset Council have decided to refuse the application on grounds the plans the would “erode the gap” between Wells and Haybridge and result in the merging of the two areas.

Other reasons for refusal included the lack of complete bat surveys, an “inadequate” habitat evaluation – and there were concerns the development would “negatively impact local identity” by removing hedgerows and a prominent oak tree.

The council also raised issues with the travel plan for the site, with it being described as unsatisfactory and requiring major revision.

Wells has previously expanded west towards Haybridge thanks to the recent Foxglove Heights and Rose Banks developments within the gap between England’s smallest city and Haybridge.

In a letter objecting to the plans, St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council (SCOPC) warned of overdevelopment in the area, stating the population has increased in the parish by 200% since 2011.

“SCOPC has shouldered a disproportionate burden of development and the area along Wookey Hole Road has changed immeasurably,” the letter read.

“Gladman’s main contention and is that its proposed site is an extension of Wells and all its references to Mendip District Council Local Plan parts 1 and 2 are to sections considering the city of Wells.

“The proposed site is, at its closest, more than 500m away from the boundary of Wells. It is firmly within the boundary of the north ward of St Cuthbert Out PC.”

The letter states the area has seen permissions granted for 173 homes and 200 homes on Wookey Hole Road, as well as 220 homes on the A371 and 100 homes on the B3139.

“693 new homes imply a population increase of getting on for 2,000 people,” the letter added.

“According to the 2011 census, the whole of SCOPC it had a population of 3,749, it is believed that the north ward had a population of about 1,000, implying a planned increase of 200%.

“The Office of National Statistics predicted in 2016 that the population of the UK was to rise from 65.6 million in 2016 to 72.9 million in 2041, a growth of 11%.

“It is unreasonable to expect the north ward to suffer such a disproportionate increase as that that has already been agreed.

“This proposal would add another 90 homes and 250 people to that total giving an increase of 225%.”

The developer could appeal the decision.

To view the plans, visit somersetcouncil.gov.uk and search reference 2024/1322/OUT on the planning section.