Randall Thorp is delighted to announce the successful outcome of a planning appeal on behalf of Gladman Developments Ltd, securing outline permission for up to 78 new homes at Glencot Road, Wookey Hole, Wells.

The appeal, allowed by the Planning Inspectorate on 18 September 2025, focused on issues regarding local character, coalescence of settlements and effects on the setting of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. As Expert Witness for the above issues, Randall Thorp’s masterplanning, LVIA, Proof of Evidence and examination during the Inquiry, demonstrated how the proposed scheme could be sensitively integrated into its surroundings, maintaining key views, separation of settlements, and retain the special qualities of the National Landscape.

The Inspector concluded that the site represents a sustainable location for growth, with the benefits of much-needed housing outweighing only limited landscape effects.

The decision marks a significant step in helping to address the area’s housing shortfall, with the Inspector noting Somerset’s limited 2.84-year housing land supply.

This appeal win highlights Randall Thorp’s expertise in providing robust landscape and visual evidence to support well-designed, sustainable developments.