Developer successfully appeals plan for 150 homes

Almost 150 new homes are to be built near a park and ride site following a successful appeal by the developer.

Taylor Wimpey submitted outline plans in 2023, for the housing at the Brookfield Farm Shop and Nursery site in Ruishton, close to the Gateway park and ride in Taunton.

Somerset Council refused the plans outright in 2024, arguing they would put pedestrians at risk and isolate new residents.

But following a public inquiry in January, the Planning Inspectorate ruled in the developer's favour.

Access to the new development would be from Ruishton Lane, with walking and cycle routes being provided throughout the site and potentially linking up the village and the recently-upgraded junction of the A358.

Despite being close to the Black Brook, the site has been deemed to be at relatively low risk of flooding, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has been told.

Almost 40 of the new homes planned for the site will be 'affordable'.

The development also includes public open space to provide a buffer between the new homes, the Black Brook and the M5.

Planning inspector Dominic Young described the site as "ordinary, attractive countryside".

"The provision of footpaths and foot-ways within the site and alongside Ruishton Lane would inevitably improve links between the village and those facilities at Taunton Gateway," he said.

"There can be no dispute that the council is unable to meet its housing land supply obligations without greenfield sites such as this."

A reserved matters application, concerning the detailed design and layout of the new homes, is expected to come forward before the end of the year.

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