Village will be 'unrecognisable' as 765 homes approved

Residents fear their village will be "unrecognisable" after the High Court ruled a development that will triple the number of homes in the area can go ahead.

About 765 homes are set to be built in Mudford, near Yeovil. The village currently consists of 339 houses, and residents are concerned they will lose their rural identity.

Mudford Parish Council launched a judicial review against Somerset Council after the initial application was approved. But the High Court has since ruled the project can go ahead. The developer has been approached for comment.

Dawn Woodward, of the Friends of the Mudford action group, said: "We are a quiet, rural village. The village is going to be unrecognisable."

A Somerset council spokesperson said the High Court's judgment confirms that their planning process was "robust, lawful, and carefully considered at every stage".

As part of the project, developer The Abbey Manor Group will also build new commercial space, a community hub and an extension to Primrose Lane Primary School.

Woodward told the BBC: "It's going to completely change the way we live. [The village] will lose its rural identity and the community will be changed forever.

"We're going to be watching the process very, very closely to check we're happy with all the details."

The parish council has decided not to appeal, and will be liable for £10,000 in costs.

A Somerset Council spokesperson added: "We recognise the strength of feeling locally regarding development in Mudford and remain committed to working constructively with communities, including Mudford Parish Council, to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and sustainably."

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