THE first images of how a 1,500-home development in picturesque countryside could look have been released.

People have the chance to check out the images for the new community proposed on farmland north of Corkscrew Lane in Staplegrove, between Kingston Road and Silk Mills.

Public consultations will unveil proposals for a range of housing, a school, shops, business units, open spaces and wildlife habitats.

Opponents of the scheme claim it will ruin a beautiful swathe of unspoilt countryside and cause huge traffic problems.

Plans for the scheme, which would be built in phases over ten years, are likely to be submitted to Taunton Deane Council later this year by partners PM Asset Management and Ptarmigan Land.

Craig Neilson, from Ptarmigan, said: “We envisage a high quality, green development where the countryside is at the centre of the scheme.

“We’ll incorporate large areas of open space, pathways and parks with play areas for children of all ages, ponds, trees, hedgerows, allotments and enhanced habitats for wildlife.”

James Turner, of PM Asset Management, said a new road was a priority after listening to residents’ concerns about traffic congestion.

He added: “We’ll provide modern cycle routes and attractive pathways too – it’s not all about the car.”

A number of public consultations have already been held and the development team are promising to “refine the proposals still further” with the aid of any further feedback.

Chris Fomes, of Whitmore Area Residents Group, who lives near the site, is pleading with fellow opponents to bombard Deane planners with letters voicing their concerns about the project.

He said: “The area of North Taunton is clearly not suitable for a project of this size at this time, and letters and articles to this effect will only reinforce this message further.

“I am very keen to ensure that Taunton Deane Council and the companies understand the wave and weight of feeling that exists towards this project.

“It is misplaced and fundamentally flawed, and as such we owe it to ourselves to influence the future of our area as much as we can.”

*THE public consultations are being held at orchard shopping centre on Friday, July 3, from 10am to 3pm and at Staplegrove Village Hall on Saturday, July 4, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.