DEVELOPERS have been told for a second time they can't build 136 homes near “unstable” cliffs.

Somerset West and Taunton Council planners have unanimously refused Cleeve Hill Development Group permission for the homes on the B3191 Cleeve Hill, Watchet, which would have included the realignment of the coast road.

Similar proposals were previously rejected in 2020, writes Daniel Mumby.

Residents welcomed SWT's decision yesterday (Thursday, January 5).

Michael Barber said: “The area at the bottom of Cleeve Hill is in a flood zone, and several properties in the town have been flooded in the recent past. The Star Inn has only recently re-opened following flood damage.

“Without adequate drainage provision, there would be an increase in flood risk to many properties. It would also increase the threat to the stability of the cliffs, with knock-on threats to the existing routes and the proposed realignment of the B3191.”

The land around Cleeve Hill has suffered coastal erosion in recent decades, leading to Somerset County Council commissioning a report into how to protect vulnerable properties in Blue Anchor and Watchet.

A £3.8million scheme to protect the Blue Anchor stretch of the B3191 gets underway in the spring.

Without the Cleeve Hill scheme going ahead, the road would have to be realigned entirely through taxpayers’ money, with suggestions it could cost up to £28million.

Sam Westmacott added: “Approximately 2,500 cars and 180 vans use Cleeve Hill daily. Most days, there are five traffic jams of between five and 20 minutes at Saxon Ridge, where the new road would join – traffic stoppages occur daily.

“The proposed pedestrian access across the fields is so steep that some of the councillors who came on the site visit couldn’t climb it."

Cllr Roger Habgood said: “I see this proposal and I think, ‘This cannot have been thought through properly’. I’ve sat through many a planning application in my time and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this."

Cllr Loretta Whetlor said: "I don’t think I’d want to buy a house with a main road going right through the middle of an estate. It would be just absolutely stupid, when you’ve got children, dogs and cats nearby.”

A spokesperson for Watchet Conservation Society said: “This victory is thanks not to just a few individuals but to a remarkable and special community who have come together to ensure that this development will not adversely impact on our town.”