Significant planning appeal win for self-build dwelling at infill site near Wedmore, Somerset

We are always delighted to assist fellow architectural practices within the South West and beyond with complex planning challenges and to take applications that have been refused to appeal where we think there is a valid case.

Continuing our 2025 series of case studies highlighting Salmon Planning Company’s appeal successes, this blog focuses on a recent win in the small settlement of Westham, near Wedmore, Somerset.

The application, originally submitted by our colleagues at LSL Architecture, sought permission for a single self-build dwelling on land adjoining existing built form within the village of Westham. Although the proposal closely mirrored a previous scheme that had already been approved on the site, the Council initially refused the application. Their reasons for this focused on concerns that the development would extend built form into the countryside and could potentially impact the amenity of future residents.

Following the refusal, LSL referred the matter to the team of chartered planning consultants at Salmon Planning Company to lead the appeal and we were very grateful to them and their client for the opportunity to be involved.

A key part of the appeal centred on demonstrating that the site was closely related to existing built development, with housing on three sides, and that it also contained existing structures that had previously been approved for conversion. This context supported our position that the proposal represented infill development, rather than an encroachment into the open countryside. We also addressed concerns around residential amenity, highlighting that the Council had raised no such objections in relation to the earlier, almost identical scheme.

The Planning Inspector agreed with our case and upheld the appeal. In granting permission, the Inspector concluded that the proposal did not extend development into open countryside and would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupants. 

With an excellent result for our client who can now move forward with delivering their self-build project after a period of significant delay, this case provides a further example of how appeals can offer a valuable second chance where applications have been wrongly refused on first application.

If you have had a planning application refused and are considering an appeal, or perhaps you own a greenfield site on the edge of a village or settlement, Salmon Planning Company are well placed to advise on the latest changes to government policy and to offer expert planning advice. We also offer an excellent in-house RIBA architectural team. 

With offices in Somerset and Devon, please contact us on 01749 671500 or email info@salmonplanning.co.uk 

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