Save Wells
Hillside
A developer wants to build 73 houses on the beautiful green hillside above Wells, Somerset — destroying protected landscape, wildlife habitats, and the character of our historic city. We can stop this.
Deadline to object: 21 April 2026
Aerial view of the site — the red outline shows 5.38 hectares of green hillside that would be lost to development
Why This Matters
This isn't just about houses. It's about protecting an irreplaceable piece of Somerset's landscape — the green hillside that defines the setting of one of England's smallest and most beautiful cathedral cities.
What's Being Proposed?
Rubix Land Limited — a company with no track record in house building — has applied for outline permission to build up to 73 dwellings on 5.38 hectares of green fields on the north-western edge of Wells.
All traffic from 73 homes would be funnelled through Orchard Lea — a quiet residential cul-de-sac currently serving just 9 properties.
The council's own pre-application advice (June 2025) identified two critical concerns: "likely significant impacts on locally and nationally designated landscape character" and "lack of appropriate phosphate mitigation." Neither has been adequately resolved.
The site sits between ancient woodland, the Mendip Hills National Landscape, and the historic centre of Wells
Mendip Local Plan map — the site lies outside the defined development limit
The Case Against This Development
Based on a detailed review of all 52 documents submitted with the application, there are compelling reasons to refuse this proposal.
The "Tilted Balance" Doesn't Save This
The applicant argues that housing need overrides all other concerns. But the NPPF is clear: where development would harm designated habitats, heritage assets, or irreplaceable woodland, the tilted balance does not apply. Even if it did, the cumulative harm here would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
How You Can Help
Every objection counts. Every voice matters. Here's how you can make a difference.
Over 63 neighbouring properties have been officially notified — everyone deserves to know.
Writing Your Objection
Not sure what to write? Here are the key points to include. Use your own words — personal letters have more impact.
Start with the basics
Reference application 2026/0531/OUT. State that you object to the proposal for up to 73 dwellings on land off Orchard Lea, Wells.
Mention your connection
Are you a local resident? Do you walk past the site? Do your children play nearby? Personal connection makes your objection more powerful.
Pick your strongest points
You don't need to cover everything. Focus on what matters most to you — traffic, landscape, wildlife, heritage, flooding — and explain how it affects you personally.
Reference the policies
Mention that the site is outside the Development Limit (LPP1 CP1) and conflicts with the City of Wells Neighbourhood Plan (2024). This gives your objection legal weight.
Note the biodiversity failure
The developer's own data shows a 39.67% biodiversity loss — the law requires a 10% gain. This alone should be grounds for refusal.
Be measured and factual
Planning officers give most weight to reasoned, evidence-based objections. State facts, reference policies, and explain impacts clearly.
Deadline: 21 April 2026
Key Documents & Resources
These documents provide the policy framework and evidence base for objections.
Planning Application 2026/0531/OUT
Full application and all 52 submitted documents on the Somerset Council planning portal
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Government consultation on proposed reforms to the national planning framework
Mendip Adopted Local Plan
The adopted local plan including Policy CP1 (Development Limits) that this application breaches
Campaign Crowdfunder
Help fund independent expert reviews — ecologists, landscape architects, and legal advice
Objection deadline: 21 April 2026
This Hillside Belongs to All of Us
Once concrete covers this green hillside, it can never be undone. Act now to protect it for future generations.