Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster, South Somerset. Soon to vanish under concrete and tarmac?

The undisturbed agrarian landscape of the Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster might soon vanish under concrete and tarmac if developers get their way.  Dillington Estate and CG Fry are seeking planning permission to build 220 homes along the valley: their previous application for 330 homes was turned down. 

Putting aside all the other objections to the new application, most of which also pertained to the previous one, it would be prudent to consider the effect of heavy rain on the western end of the valley in particular.  The photographs below make interesting viewing.


The western end of Shudrick Valley, Ilminster, taken on 7th February 2014.



Photograph taken from Shudrick Lane, Ilminster, on 3rd January 2016. 

Photograph taken on 3rd January 2016 from the same position as that of 7th February 2014.

Building through a valley which contains a stream does not seem very wise considering the storms of recent years.  If the development goes ahead I hope Dillington Estate, CG Fry and South Somerset District Council will have carefully noted the effects of heavy rain and made comprehensive provision for coping with it.  Perhaps the new houses should be built on stilts!
 
Be that as it may, it seems yet another patch of England's green and pleasant land could be lost.  Make use of the public footpaths and enjoy this bucolic corner of South Somerset while you can - this view might not exist for much longer.

The view to the southwest from the floor of Shudrick Valley.  Shudrick Stream is just out of view to the right.

Note. For those readers who may be interested, the planning application referred to in this post is Application No: 14/02474/OUT   Location: Land At Shudrick Lane, Ilminster, Somerset. TA19 0AR.