A developer is trying again to build housing on Green Belt land on the edge of Peasedown St John, saying the site should now be considered to be “Grey Belt”.
Developer Chapel Hill Homes Ltd has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council for Permission in Principle (PiP) for a minimum of three and a maximum of five homes in a field between Greystones and Eastfield at Ashgrove.
PiP is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development. If granted, another application regarding the detailed design would be submitted.
Planning consultants for the developer say a similar PiP application for the site was dismissed at appeal last March.
That was seeking permission for two homes, but the planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State agreed with the council that it would be “inappropriate” development in the Green Belt.
Following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, the applicant now considers the land would be classed as Grey Belt, so building housing would no longer be deemed inappropriate.
The consultants’ report highlights that the appeal inspector had confirmed the site has good accessibility to facilities in the village, including shops and the primary school, and bus stops very close by provide regular services to Bath, Wells, Bristol and Paulton.
The consultants also point out the council’s current shortfall in deliverable housing.
The planning reference is 25/01634/PIP, and the deadline for comments is 3rd June.
