The application was discussed at SSDC’s Area South meeting on Wednesday 7th September, where the opportunity of a substantial investment which would benefit the local community without expense to the public purse was turned down.

The plans, aimed at providing community facilities at the site in Lufton on the outskirts of Yeovil, included two full-sized football pitches, an option for a cricket pitch, a modest pavilion to accommodate four changing rooms and necessary changes for access and associated car parking.

David Bell, planning agent for the application, said:

“All associated are obviously going to be disappointed after the proposal was narrowly defeated in the council chamber. 

“The application was recommended for a grant of permission by the officers, but after a lengthy two-hour meeting with two adjournments councillors narrowly voted to refuse the application.

“The reasons for refusal were not clear in the council chamber and therefore I will wait for written confirmation before commenting further or considering possible further action.”