AFTER repeated refusals by Somerset Council, developers Gladman have won the go-ahead for a 78-home development on the outskirts of Wells.

Gladman Developments was refused outline permission in September 2020 to build up to 90 homes on Wookey Hole Road on Wells, on the edge of the Mendip Hills national landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB).

The Congleton-based developed put forward amended plans in late-July 2024, reducing the number of homes down to 78 and providing additional public open space in the northern part of the site.

Somerset Council refused the plans for a second time in November 2024, stating they would “erode the gap” between Wells and the neighbouring villages – prompting the developer to lodge an appeal.

Following a public inquiry in late-August, the Planning Inspectorate has ruled in the developer’s favour – with more detailed proposals expected to come forward for further public consultation in the new year.

The site lies to the south of Wookey Hole Road, next to the Priory Fields development being delivered by Bovis Homes and the St. Cuthbert’s paper mill.

Access will be provided onto Wookey Hole Road at the north-eastern corner of the site, with a pedestrian link being provided to the south to link the new homes to the Strawberry Line multi-user path.

Of the 78 homes intended for the site, 32 will be affordable, meeting the council’s target for 40 per cent affordable housing for any new development of ten homes or more within the former Mendip area.

Planning inspector Benjamin Webb visited the site on September 4, towards the end of the four-day public inquiry, and published his ruling on the Planning Inspectorate’s official website shortly thereafter.

A reserved matters application, covering the detailed design and layout of the new homes, is expected to be submitted to Somerset Council in early-2026.