Curo’s plans to build 32 homes on the old Walnut Buildings site have been unanimously supported by Radstock Town Council, although some Councillors have expressed reservations about the building materials proposed.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Bruce Shearn, said: “I have never been to a public exhibition where so many people attending were in favour of the proposals. People are looking forward to this being completed.”

Cllr Chris Dando added: “I share some of the Conservation officers’ concerns and whilst anything on this site is better than nothing, their observations are that some of the materials are a bit ‘hodge podge’. They are suggesting that B&NES Council go back to Curo and do a little more work on the proposed materials and how that relates to buildings within the development and their surroundings.

“I totally support this application, the numbers and its environmental credentials - I just think we could lean on Curo a little more to make it fit totally in character with the area. So far, they have responded quite positively to the consultation comments.”

Fellow Ward Cllr Bruce Shearn added that when he went to the consultation he thought “80% of it was great. We’re never going to get 100%, but at the end of the day, we can work with Curo to get this over the line. Curo should be commended for listening to what local people want from this development.”