Housing development approved despite 554 objections

Up to 100 new homes will be built in a village, despite concerns the local school will not have enough space to cope with demand.

In July 2022, Keinton Mandeville LVA LLP put forward plans for a development south of High Street in Keinton Mandeville, Somerset.

The proposal received more than 500 objections from residents, citing concerns over congestion, pressure on the village's primary school and over-development.

Somerset Council's south planning committee voted to approve the plans by seven votes to five on Tuesday.

The council received a total of 554 letters or emails objecting to the proposals – more than one for every household in the village – compared to only four in open support of the development, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The site comprises three fields south of the B3153, ending near the village hall and the existing Lakeview housing development constructed by Galion.

Of the 100 homes proposed for the site, the developer said 35 will be either affordable rent or social rent – meeting the council's target for any new development of 10 homes or more.

The developer has also promised to provide more than £213,000 towards a new play area for the village, as well as resurfacing the footpaths which will link the site to the wider village.

More than £1.2m will also go towards providing new primary school places, the developer said.

However, Hugh von Bergen, chairman of governors at Keinton Mandeville Primary School, said this was impossible to deliver on the school's current site on Chistles Lane.

"There is not enough space for another classroom and the existing buildings are far too small.

"You have been warned repeatedly about this problem. There will be overcrowding which will do demonstrable and permanent harm to the school," he said.

A reserved matter application, detailing the design and layout of the new homes, is expected to be submitted within the next 12 months.

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