Council rejects homes & care home plan near Taunton. Concerns raised about local character and historic building.
Belstone Fox, the developer, applied in May 2024 with a plan involving 18 houses and a 70-bed care home. Existing plans included changing the old venue into a home.
The council refused the project citing harm to the area and the building’s history. They also said the village’s character would suffer, which follows another housing appeal the council lost.
Woodlands Castle, dating back to the 1600s, was a wedding spot before closing in 2020 due to the pandemic. Subsequently, it was used for illegal activities, suffering damage and vandalism, and previously housing a cannabis farm. Repairs were done, but the developers reported those repairs won’t last.
The plan presented houses around the main building and a care home near the road. Architects argued it would save Woodlands Castle, help locals with the new care home, provide care for those in need, and free up housing.
Council officers denied the plan, without a public committee vote. Alison Blom-Cooper explained the reasons for refusal, citing harm to the listed building. The houses conflicted with local plans.
The care home was deemed too big, extending Ruishton without good reason and merging the village into Taunton Gateway.
Belstone Fox hasn’t announced their next steps. They could appeal the council’s decision, leaving the future of the site unclear.