Category: Uncategorized

Project Beacon

We are launching the next phase of Project Beacon, our plans are to secure the future of St Michael ad All Angels Church as a welcoming, accessible and shared community space.

Please join us for a Free afternoon tea with cake of course, in the Church on Sunday 14th June at 4.00 pm

We will explain what Project Beacon is, where we are now, how it will benefit the village and how local people can be involved.  This is not a religious event, just a friendly chance to hear more, ask questions and share ideas.

Everyone is welcome.  No booking needed.  Just come along. 

Friends of St Michaels

Heading:  Appeal Has been Lodged – January 2026 (in Red)

PLEASE NOTE:  That if you commented on the original application you need to comment again with regard to the appeal in order to have your view counted (Again in red)

https://publicaccess.southsomerset.gov.uk/online-applications/appealDetails.do?keyVal=T983DXOW0L900&activeTab=summary&fbclid=IwZnRzaAPeKUVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeJtGAePdipKs7NtB2u7NSXSqrmZmv6-5OYzhsBmp1p7Fic70vyCIyyJ0a1Rs_aem_vp1hl-VIpjbN0RTlqGoYIA

I would also like to put this up on the home page under latest news:

Halves Lane Planning Application – Appeal Lodge

An appeal has been submitted to South Somerset District Council after planning for the 14 Industrial Units at Halves Lane was refused in September 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE:  if you commented on the original application you need to comment again with regard to the appeal in order to have your view counted.

For more information, please click this LINK

Isles Farm Woods

Isles Farm, to the south of the parish, has been bought by Will Woodlands, which, according to its website, is a privately funded charity whose aim is tree planting for public enjoyment. It is proposing to cover much of the Isles Farm land into woodland with areas (see map of proposed planting):

  1. Predominantly of broadleaved trees
  2. Predominantly of mixed conifer planting
  3. Agroforestry areas managed by extensive cattle grazing

It would entail deer-fencing most of the area, but all the footpaths and public rights of way will be kept in place. They have already set up a similar scheme at Long Bredy near Dorchester.

They have also said they would leave the parkland around Coker Court largely as it is.

For further details, please contact Pryor and Rickett Sylviculture at carlisle@sylviculture.co.uk

251126-Isles Farm November 25 V6 w fencingDownload

The Coker Derby

Thank you to everyone who attended The Coker Derby Race Night on Saturday 25th October 2025.  It was a wonderful evening consisting of 8 races each of which were kindly sponsored by local businesses and individuals.  A wonderful curry supper and a super raffle with many of the prizes again being donated by local family institutions.  
The horses ran well, the TOTE was busy and the owners enjoyed their winnings.  The evening raised an incredible £6470 for the Pavilion fund.  

Application for 14 light industrial commercial units at Halves Lane, North Coker (24/02237/OUT)

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. 

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

1 2 3 … 9