Nearly 80 homes will be built on the edge of Wells after a planning inspector overturned Somerset Council's decision to block the scheme.

Gladman Developments was twice refused permission to build on land off Wookey Hole Road — first in 2020 and again in 2024 — but has now won its appeal following a public inquiry held in August.

The development, next to the Priory Fields site and near the St Cuthbert's Mill, will deliver 78 homes including 32 affordable properties. Public open space will be provided on higher ground within the site, which sits close to the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

Access will be from Wookey Hole Road in the north-east corner, with a pedestrian route connecting to the Strawberry Line path.

Somerset Council had argued the scheme would erode the gap between Wells and nearby Haybridge, but planning inspector Benjamin Webb dismissed this, saying the proposal would "not undermine the sustainable pattern of growth" in the area.

Mr Webb noted the council's housing policies were "long out of date" and that previous attempts to protect the land as a green gap had failed. He concluded that while the development would transform the site, it would still preserve "a sense of physical and visual separation".

The inspector also rejected concerns about the impact on the Mendip Hills landscape, stating the site "does not appear to make any direct contribution" to the views or tranquillity of the national landscape.

Because the site lies within the Somerset Levels and Moors catchment, Gladman must include phosphate mitigation measures. This will involve sustainable drainage and coordination with Wessex Water's upgrade of the city's waste water plant, due by April 2030.

If homes are to be completed before then, the developer must buy phosphate credits from a third party.

A reserved matters application covering layout and design is expected in early 2026, with further public consultation to follow.

More local stories:

• High Sheriff spreads the word on SOUP!
• Calls grow for new Somerset reservoir after driest, hottest summer on record

Sign up to our free local newsletter — Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.

H/T: LDRS