After a very lengthy battle, Councillors and residents will be celebrating the news that Edward Ware Homes has withdrawn its second appeal for Boxbury Hill and Abbotts Farm Close, in Paulton.

Both planning applications originally went to appeal, having been turned down by B&NES Council, which was then upheld by a Government Inspector. In February this year, campaigners were dismayed when a High Court Judge ruled the Government would have to reconsider the Planning Inspector’s decision, due to consideration of issues not covered during the inquiry. Both Paulton Parish Council and Midsomer Norton Town Council were preparing to put forward their arguments again at a further appeal hearing, which has now been dropped, reportedly due to financial considerations.

In response to the news, Paulton Parish Councillors are hoping to look at ways in which the Batch and Boxbury Hill could now become a designated heritage or greenspace site to protect the land from further development plans.

124 homes were planned at Boxbury Hill, with 47 at Abbotts Farm Close - this week Taylor Wimpey has begun work on land at Monger Lane, which was won by appeal.