Neighbouring Templecombe is set to increase dramatically in size thanks to a controversial SSDC meeting on Tuesday 2nd June. Is Horsington next in line to receive unwanted housing developments?
Pity the poor members of South Somerset District Council’s Regulation Committee, the body which makes the final decision on planning applications referred by Area committees.
At their meeting on Tuesday 2nd June, they had to wade through a 39-page closely-worded bureaucratic maze of argument, counter argument and a plethora of planning policies which will require a doctorate in planning law to understand. We will try and summarise the position simply.
The decision in question is an application to build 49 houses on Coombe Farm, to the west of Templecombe, at the end of West Street.
This brings the total of potential new dwellings to be built in Templecombe to 289, including the 70 dwellings currently being built at Slades Hill, a significant increase. (There may be further applications -Ed)
The local citizenry do not want it. The Parish Council does not want it. The elected councillors (both Conservative) are against it. The SSDC Area East Committee voted on February 12th to refuse the application by 7 votes to five, a clear majority. Update -The Area East planning vote was against by 10 votes to 2 , . William Wallace.
The Regulation Committee, in its overseeing capacity, also voted to reject the proposal by 7 votes to 5 at a “virtual meeting” on April 21st. (“Virtual”, i.e. by phone, because of the lockdown rules).
But wait! According to the Council, This was apparently a so-called “consultative” meeting, not a full meeting, and so the Regulation Committee were summoned to meet again on June 2nd and vote for a THIRD time on this planning application.
In other words, “Go away and come back to vote in favour.” And so they did. The meeting is packed with Lib Dem councillors (who mainly represent urban wards), who outvoted the two local Blackmore Vale councillors. The majority in favour was reversed to 8-6 against.
The arguments against the development are clear, fair, and common sense. The arguments for it are arcane, obtuse and confusing. Who can blame some of the poor Lib Dems for shrugging their shoulders, and going back to their lockdown gardening? Well, the Blog can, for a start.
The politicians who claim to be both liberal and democratic should be ashamed. And the legality is questionable.
Councillor William Wallace, who represents the Blackmore Vale Ward on the SSDC said “I am disappointed that local opinion and advice, along with that of the two ward members, was not taken. The Parish , the committee of twelve district councillors, and the virtual Regulation meeting refused permission and this was not accepted until the latest Regulation Committee, where it was passed .This is not impressive for our public”
Roll on the next election!
Read an article in The Leveller on the background to this story
Read the SSDC detailed briefing notes for the third Regulation Committee meeting Here – and good luck!
