Developers are expected to lodge an appeal after having been refused planning permission for a development at the junction of Preston Road and Lufton Way, Yeovil.

Last month South Somerset District Coun-cil's Area South recommended refusal for the 80-dwelling proposal on grounds of density and design.

Bloor Homes Limited initially (in March this year) wished to build 80 dwellings and garages on the site but had the application refused.

A revised application for 72 two-storey buildings was subsequently approved, but Bloor Homes then submitted yet another application, which took the number back to 80 and is said to be very similar to the original one - featuring a number of three-storey buildings.

The Area South Committee, which heard the developers intended to appeal should they be turned down, recommended refusal for that application last month and the matter was referred to the council's Regulation Committee.

Councillor David Greene said at last month's Area South meeting that he had voted against the original application and felt the same about this latest application. Councillor Peter Gubbins said the same thing.

The Regulation Com-mittee met recently and its members heard that Brympton Parish Council remained opposed to the proposal.

Mr Dale, the agent representing the applicant, pointed out that there were no highway objections to the development.

Councillor Liz Glashier expressed her concern over the inclusion of the three-storey elements and indicated that she would not support the application. She also indicated that the proposal was contrary to relevant local planning policies.

Other committee members felt that the three storey elements would be intrusive on the nearby crematorium and out of keeping with the surrounding area. They expressed concerns about the density of dwellings and the increase in ridge height.

After having debated the matter further, committee members voted to refuse planning permission.

Minutes of the meeting read as follows: "The number of proposed dwelling units are considered to be too many for the site resulting in a density which is out of keeping with the surrounding area.

"The proposed three storey buildings are out of character with the surrounding area and will have a detrimental impact on the amenities of both the crematorium and adjoining and future residents.

"These three storey buildings are also considered to be of a poor design and their visual intrusiveness will be emphasised by the change in levels between Preston Road and the site."