HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

9 Redgate Park, Crewkerne, Somerset. TA187NL

T: 07471341433

E:clerk@horton-somerset-pc.gov.uk

www. horton-somerset-pc.gov.uk

AUGUST 2026:

Following the refusal by Somerset Council Planning Committee on 29^th July 2026 regarding the application to construct 150 houses off Broadway Hill, Horton, the matter was referred to the Secretary of State on the 30^th July 2026 with a response time of 21 days. Horton Parish Council, with help from Cllr Sue Osborne made representations to the Secretary of State on the 11^th August 2026.

Cllr Osborne also put a draft template on the Horton & Broadway Facebook page for Parishioners to use if required. (9) Horton and Broadway Neighbourhood Watch | Facebook  link to Facebook page

Documents relating to this application can be found here:

Search Results -link to SC Planning Applications

Home - Horton Parish Council – link to PC website.

The process for this application is set out below:

The Direction requires the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to consult the Secretary of State (SoS) for housing if they are proposing to refuse an application that meets the following criteria:
a) is for development which includes the provision of 150 or more houses, flats or houses and flats; and
b) has not been determined by a local planning authority before 11th May 2026

As the application at Land off Broadway Hill (ref. 25/02726/OUT) meets these criteria, the LPA have written to the SoS to understand if the LPA can proceed to determine the application themselves or whether to call in the application for determination by the SoS instead.

If the SoS considers the application can be determined by the LPA, the LPA will proceed to refuse the application as per committee decision.

If the application is called in, the decision whether or not to grant planning permission will be taken by the SoS, which will involve a public enquiry.

As part of the public enquiry, there would be opportunity to submit further representations and also to attend the enquiry.

The SoS have until the 20th August 2026 to determine whether to call in the application or allow the LPA to determine the application and there is no further action that can be taken ahead of this decision.

UPDATE FOR HORTON AND BROADWAY RESIDENTS – BROADWAY HILL PLANNING APPLICATION25/02726/OUT

Following Somerset Council’s South Planning Committee decision to refuse the application for up to 150 homes on land off Broadway Hill, Horton, the application has now been referred to the Secretary of State.

This referral has to take place before Somerset Council can formally issue its decision.

The Secretary of State now has to decide whether to:

• allow Somerset Council to determine the application locally, in accordance with the Planning Committee’s decision; or
• “call in” the application, in which case it would be determined by the Secretary of State rather than Somerset Council.

Residents of both Horton and Broadway can make representations to the Government’s Planning Casework Unit.

Why does this matter?

Government guidance says that, when considering whether to

The above application submitted on 10 November 2025 will be reported to the Planning South Committee on 29 July 2026 starting at 10:00 at The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA20 2HT

The second planning meeting for the 150 houses at Broadway Hill is scheduled 29 July 2026 starting at 10:00 at The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA20 2HT

Please consider if you are able to attend - there is authority in numbers.

Notice of casual vacancy for Councillor

A vacancy has occurred for a Councillor to serve on the Parish Council by co-option. Applicants must live within three miles of Horton and be on the electoral roll and registered to vote. Applications can be sent by email to clerk@horton-somerset-pc.gov.uk.

Horton Parish Council have a vacancy for a Councillor to serve on the Parish Council.

HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Horton Parish Council have a vacancy for a Councillor, this vacancy was previously notified, no election was requested therefore the vacancy can be filled by co-option. Information for parishioners wanting to be considered for co-option as Councillor for Horton Parish Council. The Role of a Parish Council A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is the level government closest to the community and its work falls into three main categories: • Representing the local community • Delivering services to meet local needs • Striving to improve quality of life in the parish The Role and Responsibilities of a Parish Councillor Parish councillors act as ambassadors for their community, keeping everyone aware of local needs and concerns. Councillors represent the voice of their community as a whole, whilst being aware of, and considerate to, specific minority needs. Responsibilities include (but not limited to): • To determine council policy and provide community leadership; monitor and review council performance in implementing policies and delivering services; represent the council externally; and act as advocates for their residents/community • Improve the quality of life and the environment in their local area. • Work to identify issues that are important to the lives of the residents • Be well-informed, especially about diverse local views. A councillor cannot assume they represent the interests of the residents without consulting them. • Representing the views of residents in an objective and professional way. • Make difficult decisions, in an open and reasoned way. • Run local services, such as open spaces, play areas etc. (often done in conjunction with a team of willing volunteers undertaking various ‘manual’ tasks). • Take accountability for their own designated areas of responsibilities; undertake actions from and report back at PC meetings. • Support the roles and responsibilities of other councillors and the clerk. • To comply at all times with the councillors’ Code of Conduct, the law, and such other policies, procedures, protocols and conventions agreed by the council, which includes attendance at PC meetings and good time keeping.

Horton Parish Council have a vacancy for a Councillor, this vacancy was previously notified, no election was requested therefore the vacancy can be filled by co-option.

Information for parishioners wanting to be considered for co-option as Councillor for Horton Parish Council.

The Role of a Parish Council

A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is the level government closest to the community and its work falls into three main categories:

• Representing the local community

• Delivering services to meet local needs

• Striving to improve quality of life in the parish

The Role and Responsibilities of a Parish Councillor

Parish councillors act as ambassadors for their community, keeping everyone aware of local needs and concerns. Councillors represent the voice of their community as a whole, whilst being aware of, and considerate to, specific minority needs.

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• To determine council policy and provide community leadership; monitor and review council performance in implementing policies and delivering services; represent the council externally; and act as advocates for their residents/community

• Improve the quality of life and the environment in their local area.

• Work to identify issues that are important to the lives of the residents

• Be well-informed, especially about diverse local views. A councillor cannot assume they represent the interests of the residents without consulting them.

• Representing the views of residents in an objective and professional way.

• Make difficult decisions, in an open and reasoned way.

• Run local services, such as open spaces, play areas etc. (often done in conjunction with a team of willing volunteers undertaking various ‘manual’ tasks).

• Take accountability for their own designated areas of responsibilities; undertake actions from and report back at PC meetings.

• Support the roles and responsibilities of other councillors and the clerk.

• To comply at all times with the councillors’ Code of Conduct, the law, and such other policies, procedures, protocols and conventions agreed by the council, which includes attendance at PC meetings and good time keeping.