Councillors have voted against plans for 30 new homes in a small Somerset village, citing local concerns and potential damage to the area.
Keinton Mandeville: So, there was this big plan to build 30 new homes in a small Somerset village, right? But guess what? The local councillors just shot it down. They were worried about how it would change the vibe of the place and the safety on the roads.
The developer, Galion Homes, wanted to knock down a bungalow to make way for these homes. But the planning committee said, “Not so fast!” They felt it would take away too much green space and just wasn’t what the locals wanted.
Out of those 30 homes, 11 were supposed to be affordable, which is great, but the committee thought it wasn’t enough to outweigh the negatives. They even had plans for a new classroom for the local school, but that’s already been sorted out separately.
Now, this whole thing has been delayed because of some environmental issues, specifically about phosphates. The developer had plans to plant a bunch of trees nearby to help with that, but it’s still a big mess.
People in the village are really passionate about keeping their open spaces. One local guy mentioned that over 400 folks objected to the plan. They’re worried that if they fill in these spaces, the village will lose its charm and just turn into another boring suburb.
There’s also a lot of talk about how the infrastructure can’t handle more houses. Some councillors are really concerned about the impact on the village’s character. They think it’s just not the right fit for Keinton Mandeville.
Despite some councillors warning that refusing the plans could lead to trouble if the developer appeals, the committee still voted against it. It was a close call, but they decided to listen to the community’s voice.
So, for now, it looks like the village will keep its green space, and the plans for those new homes are on hold. It’s a win for the locals who want to keep their village just the way it is.
