Developer given green light to remove hedgerows

One of the UK's largest housebuilders has secured approval to remove large sections of hedgerow ahead of putting forward revised plans for 360 new homes at a nature reserve in Somerset.

Persimmon Homes was granted planning permission in January 2024 to build homes near the Meadows Surgery, in Canal Way in Ilminster.

The development site was designated as a nature reserve by South Somerset District Council in July 2018.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said the company would work with the council to "meet our shared goals of taking on the housing crisis with real action, leaving a positive and lasting legacy in Ilminster".

The Exeter-based developer submitted plans in June for the access arrangements, which involved removing 120 metres (393ft) of hedges and changing the layout of the surgery's car park.

Persimmon said the new development would deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%, in line with government guidelines.

According to the plans, the developer will maximise hedgerow retention, plant additional hedgerows and monitor and manage wildlife habitats.

Persimmon said dormouse boxes would be provided and 1.6 hectares (16,000 sq metres) of woodland would be planted.

The spokesperson added: "In addition to these ecological enhancements and meeting housing need in the area... we are investing nearly £3.5m in community infrastructure as part of our plans for Ilminster."

Persimmon is due to submit the detailed planning application in September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Somerset Council is then expected to make a decision on the development within months.

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