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 passed — public comments still accepted
Aerial view of the site — the red outline shows 5.38 hectares of green hillside that would be lost to development
Campaign Update — Thank You
The fundraiser has hit its target, and the expert reports have been completed and submitted to Somerset County Council — a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far.
Whilst the closing date for objections has passed, it is still possible to submit a public comment for consideration up until the point a decision on the application has been made by SCC.
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 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 around 18 properties including Hillside Close.
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.
Join the Community
Connect with others in our Facebook group — updates, coordination, and support.
Spread the Word
Share this site with neighbours on Orchard Lea, Merlin Drive, Wookey Hole Road and beyond.
Over 63 neighbouring properties have been officially notified — but everyone in the area deserves to know. Share this website and talk to your neighbours. The more objections we submit, the stronger our voice.
How to Submit Your Objection
It only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to register your objection on the Somerset Council planning website.
Go to the Comments Page
Click the button below to go directly to the comments page for application 2026/0531/OUT on the Somerset Council planning portal.
Open Comments PageLog In or Register
You need an account to comment. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Login and make a comment". If you don't have an account yet, click "Register here" to create one — it only takes a minute.
Note: The system only allows one account per email address. If you've registered before, use the reset password function.
Clearly State That You Object
Once logged in, you'll see the comment form. Start by clearly stating that you object to this planning application. You must include your real name — anonymous comments are not accepted.
Explain Your Reasons
Write in your own words why you object. You don't need to cover everything — pick the issues that matter most to you. The portal lists these valid planning considerations:
Submit Your Comment
Review your comment and submit it. The formal objection deadline has passed, but public comments are still accepted until a decision is made — the sooner you submit, the more weight your comment carries.
Keep it concise. The portal asks for concise comments to avoid publishing delays. If your objection is long, you can submit it in parts. Comments are checked before appearing online (usually within 5 working days).
Tips for a strong objection
- 1.Use your own words — the council gives more weight to personal, reasoned objections than identical form letters.
- 2.Reference the policies — mention the site is outside the Development Limit (LPP1 CP1) and conflicts with the City of Wells Neighbourhood Plan (2023).
- 3.Note the biodiversity failure — the developer's own data shows a 39.67% biodiversity loss when the law requires a 10% gain.
- 4.Be factual, not emotional — planning officers prioritise evidence-based objections. State facts, reference policies, and explain impacts clearly.
- 5.Stick to planning matters — loss of a private view or property devaluation are not planning considerations and won't be taken into account.
Comments accepted until a decision is made
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 (December 2024)
The current NPPF — the national policy framework against which this application must be assessed
Mendip Adopted Local Plan
The adopted local plan including Policy CP1 (Development Limits) that this application breaches
City of Wells Neighbourhood Plan (2023)
The recently adopted neighbourhood plan with policies on housing, landscape, and biodiversity that this application conflicts with
Campaign Crowdfunder
Help fund independent expert reviews — ecologists, landscape architects, and legal advice
Deadline passed — public comments still accepted
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.