Thousands of residents object to new housing plans

More than 1,200 residents have objected to plans to build 220 homes in their town.

Bloor Homes South West initially proposed 225 new homes between Rhode Lane and Hamp Brook in Bridgwater, Somerset, but scaled the number back after residents launched an online petition against the plans.

Alex Shaw-Young, a resident living near the earmarked site who organised the petition, said: "The more of us who show our objections the better chance we have of stopping this development from going through."

A spokesperson for Marrons, which represents Bloor, said the development would provide "high-quality" and "attractive" homes to help meet the needs of local people.

Sixty-six of the homes would be affordable, to meet the Somerset Council's target of 30% affordable housing on any new development exceeding 10 homes in the area.

The spokesperson added that the development would encourage "active and healthy lifestyle choices through the provision of a multi-functional green infrastructure network incorporating pedestrian footpaths, formal play provision and maximising views to open space".

The site is allocated within the Sedgemoor Local Plan as part of the Meads, an "informal recreational outdoor space" through which the Hamp Brook and Durleigh Brook flow.

The Meads plays an essential role in flood prevention and biodiversity, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In recent years, the council made efforts to improve walking routes across the green space to open more of it up to the public.

Somerset Council is expected to make a final decision on the plans later in the year.

If they are approved, a further application regarding the design and layout of the homes will have to be submitted and approved before construction can begin.

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