DOZENS of new homes could soon be built in Coleford after Somerset Council declined to defend another appeal.

Rainier Developments Ltd. put forward outline proposals in late-February 2024 for a further 75 homes on the opposite side of Anchor Road – proposals which were refused by Somerset Council in late-November 2024.

The developer lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in February, with a public inquiry chaired by planning inspector Christopher Baxter being held in the council’s offices in Shepton Mallet on Tuesday, June 10.

But the council confirmed at the inquiry that it would not be defending the appeal or calling any witnesses – making it virtually certain that the new homes will be approved.

The developer intends for 23 of the 75 new homes to be affordable – meeting the council’s target of 30 per cent affordable homes in any new major development in the former Mendip area.

Paul G Tucker QC, representing the developer, told the inquiry that the council’s poor housing land supply and the discernible benefits of the scheme should result in permission being granted without any further hesitation.

He said: “The council’s supply position is very weak. For the period 2024 to 2029, the minimum requirement of the government is 5,307 homes, the supply is a paltry 2,406 homes, equating to a supply of 2.27 years and a shortfall of 2,901 homes.

“There is a clear and obvious need for boosting housing supply, which was proposed development can provide.”

The site was deemed “unsuitable” for development before 2029 as part of an ongoing review of the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which is expected to be completed by the summer following public hearings in mid-March.

The council had previously declined to defend appeals over 180 homes on the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton – with both sites subsequently being granted permission by the appointed inspector.

Numerous local residents expressed their disdain towards the plans. Ian Collins, who lives in the village, said: “With 75 houses, you’re possibly looking at 150 extra cars through the village.

“We already have too much traffic. People are going through Kilmersdon to get around the High Street, and they come in from Vobster because there is too much traffic.

“The utility companies have damaged the sewage system – we keep having blockages, and the sewage works can’t cope any more.”

Alan Townsend, who sits on Coleford Parish Council, said: “We often have large vehicles completely blocking the road – one person I spoke to the other day was held up for 20 minutes by a HGV, when she was trying to deliver her son to school.

“Try cycling down to The King’s Head or the Highbury Playing Fields – it is not straightforward. And as for cycling to Midsomer Norton, there are high banks on the country lanes so you’ve got nowhere to go when you meet vehicles.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the revised plans for the eastern side of Anchor Road before the end of the year.