PLANS to redevelop a commercial site in a small village near Frome have been thrown out because they would “erode” the character of the local area.

Stonewood Partnerships (Bell Hill) Ltd. has applied to build homes and a new commercial garage on the Bell Hill Garage site on the A366 Bell Hill in Norton St Philip, between Frome and Bath.

The developer – which is based in Chippenham – intended to demolish the existing redundant buildings to create a new access onto the main road, with the commercial unit remaining at the southern edge.

But Mendip District Council has thrown the plans out in one of its final actions before being abolished, arguing the loss of green space would damage the village’s character.

The site comprises the garage and the green space to the north as far as the boundary with Chever’s Lane.

In addition to the main access from Bell Hill (near the newly-revamped commercial premises), pedestrian access would have been provided onto both Chever’s Lane and The Barton, with an attenuation pond being constructed at the site’s western edge.

Stonewood originally applied to build 27 homes on the site, but downgraded its plans to 21 following feedback from the council’s planning officers – with six of the planned homes being affordable.

The council refused permission through the delegated powers of its planning officers, rather than a public decision by its planning board.

Somerset County Gazette: The plans for 21 homes and a commercial garage, which have been turned down.The plans for 21 homes and a commercial garage, which have been turned down. (Image: PAD Design)

Julie Reader-Sullivan, the council’s head of service for planning and growth, said the plans had been refused for the following four reasons:

  • Building on open green space would “harm the distinctive local character made by the site”
  • The development would “erode the appreciation” for the village’s rural character, as well as damaging “the relationship between the historic core and the rural hinterland” of the settlement
  • The developer has provided “insufficient information” on how existing bat populations would be mitigated as part of the construction of new homes
  • The developer has failed to provide assurance that it will financially contribute towards local education and health services, as well as a contribution for affordable housing in the village.

Norton St. Philip has seen considerable interest from developers in recent times, with numerous applications being refused either by the council or by the Planning Inspectorate upon appeal.

Lochailort Investments is currently attempting to secure permission to build phase two of the Fortescue Field development north of Mackey Lane – though the site was recently removed from the council’s Local Plan Part II following a judicial review by the parish council.

Separate plans by the same developer to build 20 homes west of the current Fortescue Fields homes were refused in April 2022 – with a revised application of eight properties on the same site currently being subject to public consultation.

Springleaze Trading Ltd. was also refused permission in June 2022 to build 30 homes on the B3110 Frome Road at the southern entrance to the village.

Any future decisions on development in the village will be taken by the new unitary Somerset Council, which officially replaces the existing district and county councils on April 1.