It could be some time before a development on the junction of Preston Road and Lufton Way, Yeovil, goes ahead.

Outline planning permission has already been given but district councillors disliked plans submitted by applicant Bloor Homes, which means it is a case of going back to the drawing board unless the council's Regulation Committee overturns the decision.

Density was a major talking point as plans included 80 dwellings and garages on a space of approximately 1.6 hectares.

The fact that the number of three-storey buildings had been reduced to about a third, failed to appease most councillors, who felt the number was still too high.

Describing the development in a report the applicant said the philosophy of linear growth/perimeter block development had been adapted "in response to the shape of the site and the restraint of noise and visibility on the adjoining highways".

Other developments came in for criticism as the applicant also stated that: "Much recent development in the town comprises large blocks of standard housing, which have little relationship with the grain of the original settlement of Yeovil."

GUIDANCE

The planning department had recommended approval, saying plans were in accord with government planning policy guidance as well as the council's own residential design guidance.

But councillors on the Area South Committee expressed a number of concerns. Councillor David Green was concerned about density and the number of three-storey buildings, while Councillor Liz Glaisher said there seemed to be no raised pavements.

CounciLlor Peter Roake said there was no nearby recreation ground, which made the place unsuitable for families. Councillor Nick Speakman, on the other hand, predicted road rage as motorists would struggle to get onto Lufton Way.

It was explained that matters such as provision of school places, traffic impact, leisure facilities etc had already been covered at the outline application stage.

A vote was finally taken in which plans were refused 9-2 (with three abstentions) on grounds of excessive density, too many three-storey buildings, a lack of pavements and the scheme being out of character with the area.

Since the principle of development is well established at the site and plans conform with planning policy guidance, the council's Regulation Committee will deal with the application at its next meeting.