Plan for 40 homes near pig farm is rejected

A development of 40 homes had been planned for a site near Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Plans for new homes near a working pig farm have been refused after concerns were raised by local councillors.

Rubix Strategic Ltd put forward plans in April 2024 for a development of 40 homes on the B3081 Prestleigh Road in Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet.

Somerset Council met to discuss the plans on Monday with planning officers recommending that permission be granted.

But the committee – including councillors Phillip Ham, Rob Reed and Claire Sully - voted against the scheme, arguing it would erode the village's character and lead to an increase in localised flooding.

The committee voted to refuse permission by 11 votes to one, with two abstentions, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

David Julian, who was among residents who objected to the plans, said development would have "irreversibly harmed" the village's "rural character".

"With 163 housing completions against a target of 70, the village has significantly over-delivered on its housing commitment," he said.

Paul Davies, who lives opposite the site, said building homes there could jeopardise the future of the pig farm, having a knock-on effect for local businesses.

"This is a working farm, maintained to Red Tractor standards, capable of rearing 600 pigs," he said.

Mr Ham said he had been a pig farmer for 40 years and had concerns about the development.

"Have we considered the loss of agricultural land here, and the land they're going take up with fallowing for phosphate mitigation?" he said.

"I know a lot about pig farming, and to say there would be no smell [for the new home-owners from the site] is absolutely ridiculous."

Rubix Strategic Ltd – which is based in Bristol – has not yet indicated whether it intends to appeal the decision.