Village homes plan refused after barrage of objections
MORE than 500 people objected to plans for 48 homes in Churchill which have now been rejected. Opponents said the village has taken its fair share of housing and the proposals for Dinghurst Road would have a “seriously detrimental impact”.
Concerns were raised about flooding, road safety and for rural infrastructure that is already struggling to cope.
Coln Residential had said in its application for the two-hectare agricultural field, which also proposed a community orchard: “The scheme is a high quality development designed around key technical and design opportunities, with the objective of providing attractive and functional housing that blends with the local semi-rural character.
“This proposal strives to deliver new housing to support Churchill’s long-term sustainability, contributing to an already thriving village.”
Residents were not convinced.
One person said: “Developments like these do not add to the local community. Providing an orchard whilst devastating the local environment, village structure and way of life is not acceptable. These developments are already overwhelming the local schools, doctors surgeries, dentists, roads and other meagre facilities.”
Another added: “This is a rural area. There are very few jobs in this area, meaning most potential residents would have to travel for work. This area has a very lim
❝ Providing an orchard whilst devastating the local environment, village structure and way of life is not acceptable Objector to the s cheme
ited public transport system so most new inhabitants would have to use their own cars to travel anywhere.”
A third said: “This particular proposal is totally unnecessary and frankly horrific. There will be further destruction of green fields in Churchill and a seriously detrimental impact on the village, the environment and the adjacent AONB.”
The Churchill And Langford Residents Action Group called on North Somerset Council to “stop this inappropriate planning application now and carry out a thorough green belt review” to prevent “this constant barrage” of proposals.
Assessing the application, council planning officers said the proposal would harm the setting of the Mendip Hills AONB and have an unacceptable impact on road safety. They also cited concerns about the effect on the environment and existing and future residents.
The application was refused by delegated powers.