MORE than 50 people have commented on plans for a controversial housing development in North Petherton, which has been turned down by the town council.

Crowds of people packed into an extraordinary planning meeting held by North Petherton Town Council on Monday (December 16), to discuss West of England Developments’ bid for 48 homes on land just off High Street at Shovel Lane.

North Petherton Town Mayor, Cllr Bill Revans said: “There is overwhelming public opposition to these proposals. It is an ill thought out scheme that will impact on the safety and quality of life of local people.

“Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control committee make the final decision on this development and individuals should take the time to register their objection on Sedgemoor's planning website.

“I will ensure that the Town Council's view is put forward strongly at the meeting, but the planners need to understand the impact that this development will have and the strength of opposition locally.”

The council objected on the grounds that the proposal was deemed outside of the Core Strategy for development, it would result in a further strain on traffic, increased flood risk, stain on the primary school, poor access and reduction of residents’ parking.

The town clerk, Ken Wassell, added: “The developers' consultation shows there is insufficient community support for this proposal, with 97% of responses not in favour.”

Sedgemoor opened consultation on the proposal on December 3 and 52 people have already registered comments with its planning website.

Urging SDC to turn down the application, North Petherton resident Pat Vian wrote: “This is a substantial village now with only limited amenities and that should be given a great deal of thought on this application.

Another resident, Patricia Durbin, wrote: “I believe this development will cause problems for the school as there will not be enough places for the children, not to mention the doctors’ surgery. There is already housing available at the Stockmoor and Wilstock site.”

West of England Developments says the 48 homes will include 20 classed as affordable – helping to meet a need for cheaper housing in the district.

It has also included as part of its application the results of a survey carried out in November 2012 into housing needs in North Petherton, in which 91% of people said there was a lack of suitable housing in the town to meet their needs.

Sedgemoor District Council will not decide on the application until January at the earliest.