ILMINSTER NEWS: Three cheers for the Save Shudrick Valley Group

THE sky may have been grey, but the sun was definitely shining in one garden in Ilminster on Saturday (April 15, 2017) morning as campaigners joined together to celebrate a hard-fought battle against development.

Supporters of the Save Shudrick Valley Group met at a home overlooking the beautiful valley for a photo-call and to congratulate each other on a job well done.

It was revealed earlier this week that the SSVG had finally won its six-year battle to safeguard the picturesque part of Ilminster from the bulldozers.

A Planning Inspector ruled in support of the SSVG and dismissed an appeal made by developers C. G. Fry and Son and Dillington Estate to build 220 homes on Shudrick Valley on the edge of Ilminster.

An eight-day public inquiry was held earlier this year after the developers appealed against a decision by South Somerset District Council who rejected the plans in May 2016.

Campaigner John Gidlow, whose home overlooks Shudrick Valley, said it had been a long battle, but had proved successful in the end.

He said it goes to show that “people power” can win every now and again.

A spokesman for the SSVG said that the group would like to thank everyone for their support over the past six years.

More on the Planning Inspectorate’s decision in favour of the SSVG can be found here - http://www.ilminsterpress.co.uk/blog/2017/04/11/ilminster-news-shudrick-valley-saved-as-appeal-is-rejected/ .

PHOTOS: Shudrick Valley in Ilminster - saved from development.

Tags:
News.