Somerset Council says it is not yet known who will have the final say on controversial plans to build up to 250 homes on the south/Monument side of Wellington Relief Road.
The proposal has been submitted by Pegasus Planning Group, on behalf of Wellington (LVA) LLP, for a 13.7-hectare site between Middle Green Road to the east, Stallards to the west and Middle Green Farm to the south.
The planning statement says the site “would form a logical extension to Wellington” but there has been widespread opposition to the scheme including from both the town council and Wellington Without Parish Council, which includes the site.
At their meeting last week, town councillors agreed to request that the planning application be decided by Somerset Council’s planning committee rather than council officers.
The town council issued a statement afterwards, saying it had formally sought clarification on the matter.
“We believe strongly that it is essential that the application is considered by the committee in public.
“We have not yet received a response to our specific question, but our understanding is that where an application attracts a substantial number of objections citing valid planning grounds — as this one does — and/or where the application is contentious — which this one clearly is — the chair of the planning committee has the authority to refer it to the area committee.”
“In addition, the council notes that local town and parish councils have the right to request that an application be determined by the area planning committee.
“Both Wellington Without Parish Council and Wellington Town Council have formally requested that this application be considered in that forum.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council told Around Wellington: “This is a current planning application. It is not yet clear the path for decision making as it depends whether the recommendation is in accordance with the views of the town council.
“If it is, then the matter will be dealt with under delegated powers.
“If the recommendation is contrary to the views of the town council, it will go to committee.”
ABOVE: Part of the proposed site with Wellington Monument in the background.
BELOW: The site plan.
