More heavy rain in South Somerset after storm Jorge.

Following storm Jorge there was another morning of heavy rain in South Somerset on March 5th.  I did some shopping at Tesco in Ilminster that day and noticed the fields at the western end of Shudrick Valley were waterlogged.  Quite a lake had developed on the school playing field.

Made me wonder what would happen to all this rainwater if the plans to build two or three hundred homes in the valley are resurrected!

The western end of Shudrick Valley in Ilminster, South Somerset after heavy rain on March 5th.

It is not the first time this "lake" has appeared following lengthy spells of rain. Checkout my previous blogposts concerning the Shudrick Valley!

Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster in South Somerset. Saved for future generations to enjoy.

Well done to the stalwart campaigners from the Save Shudrick Valley Group (SSVG) who have succeeded in saving the valley from development, thus ensuring that future generations can enjoy this picturesque little corner of South Somerset.

The view to the east from the footpath along the floor of the Shudrick Valley.

A Planning Inspector has dismissed an appeal by developers against a decision by South Somerset District Council to reject a plan to build 220 houses in the Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster.  

To read a statement from the SSVG check out this link to an article from the Ilminster Press:

http://www.ilminsterpress.co.uk/blog/2017/04/11/ilminster-news-shudrick-valley-saved-as-appeal-is-rejected/

A stroll through The Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster in South Somerset.

One day early in August I decided to go for a stroll along the Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster.  The footpaths through the valley can be rather muddy underfoot but, as there had been a spell of hot dry weather, the going on this occasion was firm.  I had my camera with me as it was a fine day with some clear blue sky to provide a pleasing background.

The view to the east from the footpath along the floor of the Shudrick Valley.

During my afternoon meander I took some photos of the peaceful agrarian landscape, but was not quick enough to snap the resident wildlife.  I came across dragonflies, rabbits and two deer emerged from Pretwood Copse but quickly darted back into the trees when they spotted me.  There were at least three Buzzards circling high over the valley – too high, unfortunately, for the lens I had with me. I encountered several people along the way, some exercising their dogs, others seemingly just enjoying a brisk walk. 

The view east along the Shudrick Valley from just below Pretwood Copse.

However, it seems that future generations may not get the chance to appreciate the bucolic delights of this particular corner of England’s green and pleasant land.  Planning permission for 220 homes* in the valley was refused by South Somerset District Council in May, but the developers CG Fry & Son Ltd and landowner Lord Cameron of The Dillington Estate have lodged an appeal.  There will now be, in due course, a Public Local Inquiry into the subject matter of the appeal. The Inquiry will consequently decide the fate of this beautiful corner of Somerset.

It will be sad, to put it mildly, if the Shudrick Valley disappears under bricks, mortar and tarmac when, only around a mile and a half away on the western outskirts of Ilminster, an area once home to the Horlicks cheese factory remains derelict and awaiting redevelopment.  The factory ceased production in 2001 and the site’s bolted gates and appearance of neglect does not make Station Road the prettiest of the routes into Ilminster.

Be that as it may, if you want to wander through the picturesque landscape of the Shudrick Valley do not delay too long – it may not be as it is today for much longer.

*For those interested the Planning Application Reference is: 14/02474/OUT.    

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.