Nearly 50 new homes could be built in Somerset coastal village

A major housing development in a Somerset coastal village could still be extended after an appeal was lodged against the local authority. Notaro New Homes Ltd. published proposals in October 2023 to build 49 new houses to the east of the Berrow Gardens housing development on Cavalla Mews, just around the corner from Berrow Church of England Primary School.

Somerset Council refused the plans in early-January, arguing it amounted to building in the open countryside and not enough assurance had been provided about biodiversity. The Bridgwater-based developer has now lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, with a final ruling being expected by the end of the year.

The new homes, if approved, will be concentrated towards the northern end of the site, with two access points being provided - one onto Cavanna Mews, the other onto Campoline Drive. Of the 49 new homes, 20 will be sold below market price - exceeding the target within the Sedgemoor Local Plan of 30 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more.

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A spokesman for Williams Planning Ltd. (representing the developer) said: "The application site is well related to local services and facilities and is accessible on foot, bicycle and regularly bus services. Its location is outside any landscape, biodiversity or heritage designations and relates well to the built-up area of Berrow.

"As indicated by the previous grant of planning permission for 25 dwellings immediately to the west, the site can be delivered without significant adverse impacts upon the area. The proposed development of 49 dwellings can be delivered in a timely manner and without giving rise to any significant adverse impacts that would outweigh the significant weight attributed towards delivering affordable housing in an area of identified need."

The council refused the plans through the delegated powers of its planning officers, rather than a public decision by its planning committee north (which handles major applications in the former Sedgemoor area). A total of five reasons for refusal were provided - namely:

1. The new homes would be "projecting into open countryside" and "result in a pattern and form of development that does not positively respond to the existing layout and pattern of the settlement"

2. The plans involve significantly raising the site levels to reduce flood risk, which would "result in a visually dominant and intrusive form of development"

3. The developer has provided "insufficient ecological information" to demonstrated how protected species would be safeguarded during construction and how biodiversity would be enhanced in line with new national guidelines

4. The development does not pass the council's "exceptions test", which would demonstrate that it would be safe from flood risk for the lifespan of the homes

5. The developer has provided "inadequate information" regarding drainage, including how building on this land would not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere

The Planning Inspectorate has not confirmed whether the appeal will be settled through an in-person public inquiry or via written representations.