Conservative councillor Sue Osborne has stood up for residents in Horton and Broadway after plans for 150 homes near the A303 were rejected by Somerset Council.
The proposals would have seen around 150 homes built on land south of Broadway Hill in Horton, with access from Broadway Hill.
The plans had already been deferred by Somerset Council's Planning Committee South in June amid concerns about public transport, pressure on local services and the lack of funding for the local primary school.
When the application returned to the committee, residents and representatives from the local community again raised concerns about the scale of the development and its potential impact on roads, schools, healthcare and the character of the two villages.
Cllr Sue Osborne, Conservative councillor for Ilminster, whose division includes both Horton and Broadway, made clear that she could not support the proposals.
She said:
“I cannot and I will not vote for this. If I am forced to vote for this, I will resign from this committee, because we no longer stand up for our residents and make our points.
“We are being brow-beaten by our officers. This committee is no longer serving the needs of its community or its people.”
The proposed development would have been located opposite the village hall and a separate development of 49 homes which has already secured permission on appeal.
Residents highlighted the cumulative impact of housing development across Horton and Broadway, as well as concerns about capacity at the local school and GP surgery and whether children could safely walk to school.
Following around two hours of debate, councillors voted to refuse the application by five votes to three, with one abstention.
Because the development proposes 150 homes, the refusal will now be referred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, with a decision expected on whether the government will call in the application.
