FED-UP residents of Station Green, in Bishops Lydeard, are calling for something to be done about two eyesore pieces of land in the village.

The land, just past the West Somerset Railway, is owned by Taylor Wimpey, who were given permission to build homes if tourism provisions were put in place.

It was also agreed that a roundabout would be built on the road to Minehead but, two-and-a-half years after the homes have been completed, all that remains are two pieces of land.

Ann Power, who lives in Station Road, said it is time something was done.

She said: “The land is just a waste and it looks horrible for residents living here and visitors to the West Somerset Railway.

“There was supposed to be a pub built here but we have two pubs in the village.

“Taylor Wimpey did apply to have more houses built but the plans were rejected.

“We don’t understand why affordable homes can’t be built there instead or perhaps even a play area for children.

“They already play there and it’s quite dangerous because of the rubbish that is on there.”

They contacted Colin Palmer, managing director of Taylor Wimpey, who said there was a lack of demand for tourism development and the land has since been cleared and protected from unwanted access.

But he added that the company were “committed” to developing the remaining parcels of land and a play area could be considered. The residents invited prospective Conservative MP Rebecca Pow to hear their concerns.

She said: “I can understand the concerns of the close-knit community of Station Green.

“There is a strong feeling the two seemingly abandoned areas are eyesores and are a magnet for the dumping of rubbish and unsafe for children to play on because they are open to roads.

“The locals are calling for additional affordable housing to be established on these areas with some attractive planting and play areas and this seems sensible.”

But parish and county cllr Mike Rigby, also a prospective Independent MP, said the land was trashed when it was built on.

He said: “The Station Green development was permitted with the sole purpose of subsidising the development of facilities to improve tourism at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station.

“As soon as the homes were complete, Taylor Wimpey tried to change the planning permission and just build more houses.

“Before the homes were built, the area was a green field. It was trashed while the homes were being built and it should be insisted that Taylor Wimpey restore the land until such time as someone buys the site for approved tourism-based use.

“Of more concern to me is the fact that two-and-a-half years after it was completed, the roundabout on the A358 has not been built.”

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said that work is currently taking place to finalise the design for the roundabout to replace the existing underpass as it would not support the weight of traffic using it on the roundabout’s completion.

They added that work to construct the roundabout will start once the underpass details have been finalised and approved.