The application to demolish 26 and 28 Orchard Vale on the edge of Midsomer Norton to develop 54 new homes has been refused.

The development would have been built by Curo.

The main reason given for refusing it was that it would cause harm not to Somerset but to the Somer Valley.

Although the application for land at Underhill Lane actually comes under Ston Easton and therefore was in front of Somerset planners, the so-called boundary development would have services from across in B&NES.

Planners outlined their reasons on the document published today (December 5) : " The principle of residential development in this location will worsen the imbalance between employment and housing within the Somer Valley. Whilst the main housing development is proposed within Somerset, the provision of an access within B&NES will enable and facilitate the housing development. "

It was also listed in the reasons for refusal that the works would lead to a net loss of residential accommodation with the B&NES Authority area.

Opponents to the development included Midsomer Norton Town Council and the local health care board, who said that it needed a clear promise of funds to increase health care capacity if it were to go ahead. NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: " The development directly affects the ability to provide the health service required to those who live in the development and the community at large. Without securing such contributions, the ICB would be unable to support the proposals and would object to the application because the direct and adverse impact that the development will have on the delivery of primary health care. "

For the full details on what was said in the ruling you can see the application under 2022/1427/FUL on the Somerset Planning Portal.

It has been allegedly the land in question is held in a trust to benefit relatives of the Midsomer Norton MP Jacob Rees Mogg.

You can read about that HERE