NEW homes could still be built near a major tourist attraction following a planning appeal.

Wookey Hole Ltd, which owns Wookey Hole Caves, applied in March 2020 to redevelop the Homestead Park site on High Street, Wookey Hole, seeking to replace a four-bedroom house and three park homes with nine three-bedroom properties, writes Daniel Mumby.

Mendip District Council’s planning board refused the plans last May, citing concerns about overdevelopment, adverse impact on residents and lack of amenity space.

But that decision could be overturned after Wookey Hole Ltd lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Ivor Tetley, who lives in Wookey Hole, said in May 2022 the development represented “the right place, but definitely the wrong houses”.

He added: “The development will be very visible from the road through the village and from footpaths, including the very popular West Mendip Way. It doesn’t contribute positively to local identity.”

Separate plans for 50 homes on Wookey Hole Road, in Wells, were refused by the council in June 2022.

Councillor Edric Hobbs said the vehicles which would use the development’s proposed 29 car parking spaces would add problems to an already dangerous rural road.

He said: “Nobody respects the speed limit in this village. They fly around that corner. It’s going to add a lot of blooming vehicles which aren’t needed to the area.

“This village is very visible from Arthur’s Point and other parts of the Mendips. These homes will stand out like a sore thumb.”

De Courcy town planning consultants, representing Wookey Hole Ltd, said the plans complied with central government guidance and the council’s own planning policies regarding parking and residential amenity.

A spokesperson said: “The proposals would make effective use of underutilised previously developed land that lies within a settlement deemed suitable to accommodate further housing development.

“The proposed design of the dwellings and the pallet of materials chosen would reinforce the distinctive character of the village; their context would significantly improve the appearance of the site in the public realm.

“The layout proposed would be respectful of its neighbours and would not result in an unacceptable overbearing impact or loss of privacy.”

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed the appeal will be conducted through written representations, rather than a public inquiry.

A decision is expected to be published in early spring following a site visit.