Author: Andrew Goddard

Strongvale Development who are behind the planning application for 14 Industrial Units in the heart of East Coker which was rejected, have lodged an appeal.  

 

Somerset Council refused this application in September 2025 because it was contrary to our Neighbourhood Planning policy, would cause significant harm to the rural landscape and the important greenfield gap between East Coker and North Coker.  

 

We strongly urge everyone who is opposed to this development to lodge their objections on the planning website – see all the details below:

 

For the instructions and enter the case reference number: 3377482.

All comments should refer to the planning application 24/02237/OUT and the appeal reference of:  APP/E3335/W/26/3377482.

 

For those who have already previously registered an objection on the official Somerset Council website unfortunately, you will need to do it again as previous submissions are not taken into account when it comes to an appeal.

 

In the rejection documentation that is visible on the planning portal for says that the application was rejected by the planning office for the following reasons:

 

1. The proposal conflicts with several local and national planning policies.

 

The East Coker Neighbourhood Plan:  Policies ECCN!-3 emphasise preserving the rural gap and the visual quality between the settlements;

 

South Somerset Local Plan:  Policies EQ2 and EQ5 require development to conserve and enhance local landscape character and distinctiveness;

 

National Planning Policy Framework(NPPF):  The site’s contribution to scenic quality rural identity, and recreational  value is not adequately addressed. 

 

2. The proposed screening measure – such as green walls and hedgerow growth, would not integrate the development  into the landscape but rather obscure it, creating an artificial barrier.

 

3. The development would cut into the natural topography of the land and disrupt the visual continuity of the ringer and  the surrounding fields.

 

Officers conclude that the development would result in significant long term adverse impacts on the rural landscape, character and visual amenity of the area.