A decision on building more than 50 homes in Midsomer Norton is set to be made next week in Shepton Mallet.

54 homes — a reduction from the originally planned 60 — are proposed to be built by Curo in a field belonging to Underhill Farm behind houses on High Meadows/Orchard Vale. 26 and 28 Orchard Vale, which are owned by the housing association, would be demolished to provide a new access road to the development.

But the decision will not be made by the town's own councillors. Although Orchard Vale — like the rest of Midsomer Norton — elects councillors to Bath and North East Somerset Council, the field behind sits just across the council boundary in the area of Somerset Council.

As a result, it is Somerset Council's planning committee for the east area of the county which will decide the plans, meeting in Shepton Mallet on November 7. But, if approved, the development will only be able to go ahead if Bath and North East Somerset Council grants planning permission for the demolition of 26 and 28 Orchard Vale and the construction of the road to the site. That planning application is still pending consideration.

A spokesman for Barton Willmore (representing the applicant) said: "The site is located in an advantageous position, affording it access to a range of travel choices including foot, cycle, bus and vehicular options around the vicinity of the site. Although there are no public rights of way within the site, there are alternatives which allow pedestrians low traffic movements to local amenities and facilities.

"Midsomer Norton offers a broad number of shops, food outlets and healthcare locations throughout the towns centre. Recreational facilities including Welton Rover Football Club, Dragonfly Leisure Centre and a vast range of sports amenities are also located in vicinity of the site."

The Underhill Farm site had been allocated for housing in the local plan, but this was scrapped when Norton St. Philip Parish Council won a judicial review against the former Mendip District Council. A report by Somerset Council's planning officers going before the committee stated: "The proposal is therefore considered as open countryside and, if permitted, it would represent a departure from the development plan."

The Somerset Council planning committee deciding the plan will meet at 2pm on November 7 at the council chamber in the council offices on Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5BT). 

You can view the planning application here: https://publicaccess.mendip.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=REYTKAKPHM200

You can view the planning application for the road to the site, which will be decided by Bath and North East Somerset Council, here: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=22%2F02932%2FFUL#details_Section