RESIDENTS whose homes could be set to back on to 335 new homes and a football stadium have slammed the plans as ‘unnecessary and unacceptable’.

Homeowners in the hamlet of Cuttiford’s Door have set out a list of what they say are eight strong planning reasons to reject recent major applications made by Mactaggart and Mickel, and Barratt Homes.

Both planning applications were submitted at the end of December.

Mactaggart and Mickel has applied to build 295 homes along with a new football ground and two other football pitches.

The ground is expected to be the new home of Chard Town FC, if plans are approved.

The second application was made by Barratt Homes for a field south of the first planning site, and north of Morangis Way and Redstart Road.

A spokesman for the Cuttiford’s Door Residents Association (CDRA) said: “Following a meeting of residents held on January 22, we wish to submit the following eight objections.

“We object to the principle that the need to relocate Chard Town Football Club justifies expanding Chard into open countryside of the parish of Combe St. Nicholas and immediately adjacent to the historic settlement of Cuttiford’s Door.

“This proposed development was specifically excluded from the 2016 adopted Local Plan and the subsequent 2018 public consultation for revising the Chard Local Plan, the outcome of which is still not available.”

The group also highlighted the previous High Court appeal decision, which ruled against the application in 2016, and said the development would mean “Cuttiford’s Door would, to all intents and purposes, lose its identity and become a part of the town.”

The decision added: “This application as submitted should be refused in view of the loss of identity of the settlement of Cuttifords Door as outlined by the inspectorate.”

The group also believe the new bid is in conflict with other developments currently taking place, including the Kier site on A358 to the south of Chard, and the Persimmon site on Forton Road.

The CDRA group spokesman said: “We are only three years into the Local Plan period, with thirteen years remaining.

“To even contemplate development of this extensive area of unspoilt countryside whilst so many other developments are coming through the planning process is unnecessary and unacceptable.”

The group’s fifth point is that infrastructure is inadequate for this size of development.

The spokesman added: “The plans indicate a public footpath/cycleway running alongside the second and third football pitches to gated access on to Cuttiford’s Door lane.

“We are strongly against this as it will encourage parking on this narrow rural lane from people wishing to visit the community pitch in particular.”

As well as the new plans ‘grossly intruding’ into Combe St Nicholas’ open countryside, CDRA also said: “The large football stand with its tall flood lights and the two storey blocks of flats will be a visual scar upon approach to the north Chard area.

“Additionally the rural aspect of Cuttiford’s Door lane will be lost to high fencing around the proposed community pitch in particular.”

Noise from the football ground’s PA system for matches, music and licensed events in the clubhouse are given as additional reasons for refusal.

Vehicle volume will also naturally flow on the south west prevailing wind in the direction of Cuttiford’s Door.

Finally, the spokesman said: “This site is a haven for wildlife as has been demonstrated in the previous rejected planning applications.

“This proposal will introduce street lighting, two floodlit football pitches and noise to the naturally dark countryside adding further disruption to the wildlife.”