Fighting any new large developments in Cheddar Valley

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We have all had enough of new housing estates in Cheddar and Axbridge and time and again we have taken the fight to the planners, alongside the parish and town councils. We firmly believe that our uniquely beautiful countryside should not become more urban sprawl, as has happened elsewhere.

Labour's housing targets, announced in autumn 2025 would see, adjusting for populations, hundreds of new homes in Cheddar, Axbridge, Shipham and in between.

We will fight that every step of the way and seek to end the developers' goldrush that seeks to join Axbridge and Cheddar together.

With hundreds of new homes in the Upper New Road (Cheddar) and Lavender Rise (Axbridge) developments, we argue that there is no need for more large developments. Apart from anything else, building hundreds of new homes adds to congestion and puts pressure on local services and amenities.

There is room for small, infill developments and the use of brownfield to consider on a case-by-case basis, but no more building is needed on the greenbelt.

We are also campaigning for the creation of a new woodland, which will also help to restore biodiversity.

News

Revised plans for Yeo Valley site

Revised plans have been submitted for the Yeo Valley brownfield site on the A371 in Cheddar. It's almost 8 years after the original scheme was proposed, including 100 houses and a 60-bed care home + 12 extra care units, a nursery and business units.

Lidl submits plans for new store on Upper New Road, Cheddar

Lidl has today submitted a planning application for a new store on land west of Upper New Road, Cheddar.The proposed development on the Upper New Road east of the Bloor Homes development, opposite the new Tower Road, will include a modern-looking Lidl supermarket, customer car parking, servicing fac

Graham Godwin-Pearson: Houlgate Way reserved matters

Cllr Graham Godwin-Pearson joined Axbridge town clerk Vicky Brice and Elizabeth Parker from Compton Bishop Parish Council, amongst others, this morning to ask for amendments to the Houlgate Way development in Axbridge. The reserved matters were being discussed by at the last ever meeting of Sedgemo

Houlgate Way - comment by Cllr Graham Godwin-Pearson

Axbridge Town Council and many residents have had a chance to comment on the proposed 53 new homes to be built on the field adjacent to Houlgate Way in the town. Cllr Graham Godwin-Pearson's comment on the application is as follows:- Whilst I fully appreciate the need for new housing, I object to

Emotions running high at Houlgate Way public meeting

Last night, dozens of concerned residents gathered in Axbridge Town Hall for a public meeting to discuss the forthcoming development on Houlgate Way - known currently as Lavender Rise. Sadly, developers Bellway Homes decided not to attend. Points raised by residents included:- - The design and ap

Houlgate Way Axbridge - hedgerow removed

It is disappointing to learn that contractors of Bellway Homes have already removed a hedgerow in the field adjacent to Houlgate Way where Lavender Rise is due to be built. Sedgemoor District Council has declared a biodiversity and removing hedgerows without first having planted new ones and allowi

Meeting people on and around Cheddar's Upper New Road

Graham and Jeff lead a small team in the drizzle in Cheddar today, meeting people on the Upper New Road and the areas nearby, including Littlewood Way, Round Oak Road and Round Oak Grove. Issues on the doorstep included road safety, access to amenities and the new housing development planned betwee

Cheddar Valley - Polls open in just one week

Voters in Somerset will be heading for the polls in just a week’s time – and will be able to cast their vote for two candidates in the County Council election on 5 May. This year’s election is different as 110 councillors will be elected – two in each of the 55 divisions – as Somerset prepares for

Action for Axbridge - no more housing estates

This afternoon, District Councillor Graham Godwin-Pearson has been out and about at the reservoir end of Axbridge, talking to residents about the need to oppose more large housing developments in the area. It follows reports of developers contacting residents to try to buy gardens and land overlook

Campaigning in Cheddar and Rowberrow

Cllr Graham Godwin-Pearson and Jeff Savage have been meeting residents in Cheddar and Rowberrow again today, as well as on Cuck Hill in Shipham. Issues on the doorstep included transport, planning and protecting the environment. You can read the details of Graham and Jeff's plans below.