Agenda item

Outline application with all matters reserved, except for access, for the residential redevelopment of agricultural Land for 136 dwellings with the creation of a new vehicular access (closure of existing), provision of estate roads, pathway, new public rights of way, cycleway and open recreational space. Also, partial re-alignment of existing public highway (Cleeve Hill). at Land at, Cleeve Hill, Watchet, TA23 0BN

Outline application with all matters reserved, except for access, for the residential redevelopment of agricultural Land for 136 dwellings with the creation of a new vehicular access (closure of existing), provision of

estate roads, pathway, new public rights of way, cycleways and open recreational space. Also, partial re-alignment of existing public highway (Cleeve Hill).

Comments from members of the public included:

·       Concerns with the adverse effect that the development will have on the land lower down the hill to Watchet;

·       Concerns with the visual impact and pollution to the town;

·       There has been no justification as to why the site has been brought forward early from 2026;

·       Concerns with the fast eroding cliffs at West Bay, two further falls in the last four months;

·       Concerns with the instability of Cleeve Hill;

·       Concerns with the further subsidence behind Lorna Doone;

·       The site was of geological and historical importance;

·       The road system through the town was inadequate and cannot be improved without major destruction to the towns architecture;

·       Sensors confirm that there has not been any movement in the road around Daws Castle for 25 years;

·       No need for a new Costal Road;

·       Concerns that no Geological Survey has been carried out;

·       No need for 136 new homes with four storey terraced houses on the skyline in this location;

·       Watchet has already exceeded its housing quota;

·       Concerns that no new infrastructure planned;

·       The application would contravene the Council’s legal obligation in terms of affordable housing;

·       Concerns that this site was now superfluous due to another site being available at the Wansborough Mill;

·       There is no bus route along Cleeve Hill, to get out of Watchet cars are the only option;

·       Concerns with the lack of employment in Watchet;

·       Access to Watchet was a serious issue with the new road and footpaths joining Cleeve Hill at a point where it is very narrow and without footpaths for 300 metres;

·       The land is waste land an eyesore and ripe for development that will enhance the town and its surroundings;

·       This development is essential to allow the road/transport link is maintained;

·       The road link will be borne by the Developer not the Council;

Comments from Members included:

·       Concerns with the land stability on the site;

·       Concerns that no geological study had been supplied;

·       Concerns with the movement of the land behind Lorna Doone;

·       Concerns with the access to and from Watchet;

·       Residents will be reliant on cars to access the site;

·       Concerns with the attenuation tanks above the ground on the front of the site;

·       Concerns that a desk top study will not show up faults on the site;

·       Concerns with the lack of affordable housing on the site, this needs to be 35%;

·       Concerns with viability on the site;

At this point in the meeting a short break was called for.

·       Concerns that the proposal was not the same as the one proposed in January 2020;

·       The road needed to be rerouted before we agreed permission;

·       Concerns with the increased traffic on the small narrow streets and pavements in the town of Watchet;

·       It was not logical to build houses to support the coast;

·       Concerns with pedestrian access to the site;

At this point in the meeting a half hour extension was proposed.

·       This site had been identified in the Local Plan;

·       The road redevelopment can take place without this application;

·        Affordable housing was short in West Somerset;

Councillor Aldridge proposed and Councillor Whetlor seconded a motion for the application to be REFUSED

Reasons

·       Lack of Affordable housing (Policy target not being met);

·       Lack of Land Stability report;

·       Concerns with the pedestrian access to and from the site;

The Motion was carried