DEVELOPERS should look at putting many of the 1,500 homes proposed for fields north of Staplegrove on the other side of town, it was suggested this week.

Taunton Deane Council is hosting a consultation on the masterplan for the Staplegrove homes, along with a new primary school, link road, employment land and green space.

But Dr Geoff Hayes, chairman of Staplegrove Parish Council said the proposals are “a massive challenge” for the village and locals are concerned about the huge impact on already-congested roads.

He said: “It’s also felt to be imperative that a link road from Cross Keys to Kingston Road and beyond if possible across the north of Taunton should be completed before development takes place.”

Dr Hayes added: “On a personal note, on recent news of probable development of a business park adjacent to the Henlade Park and Ride, one does wonder if many of those proposed new homes should be built there, where the jobs are going to be available.”

The Staplegrove site has been earmarked for the new homes in the district council’s adopted core strategy – its blueprint for growth – and in the emerging Site Allocations and Development Management Plan, which is also being published.

Cllr Mark Edwards, executive councillor for planning, said: “I would encourage people to take a very close look at the masterplan being proposed for Staplegrove.

“While not a planning application, it will inform any future application and this is a very good time to engage in the process.”

The Deane has worked with the site’s promoters at the east and west ends of the site towards the production of the framework masterplan.