Controversial proposals for dozens of new homes in East Huntspill have been granted by Sedgemoor District Council.
An outline planning application covering up to 40 homes has been approved for land next to New Road in East Huntspill.
A petition and 32 letters of objection were submitted to the district council from local residents concerned about the plans for the site by applicant Core Strategic Land.
The 2.25-hectare development comprises of 24 market homes with a mixture of 2-4+ bedrooms, plus 16 homes for social rented housing which include two flats and 1, 2 and 3-bed homes.
Residents objected on the grounds of over-development, the site’s impact on the village’s rural character, a loss of privacy and overlooking, a loss of light, the present infrastructure being insufficient, the insufficient capacity of the village school to take additional children, sewerage capacity and road safety.
A petition was also received by the council from 34 residents raising several points: No need for more houses, Mains water and sewerage, Impact on wildlife, Increased demand on infrastructure, Drainage issues, Flood risk, Increased traffic, Noise impact, Increased pressure for education, Highway safety, Lack of privacy for the neighbours, Loss of light, Insufficient facilities and Construction traffic concerns.
The council also received a letter of support in which a resident states there is a need to increase housing in the area to support the village and school.
East Huntspill Parish Council said it “supports the need to deliver some affordable housing in the village. We feel that this site is appropriate for the development” although it noted several concerns with the outline application.
Sedgemoor planners have approved the outline planning application and placed 25 conditions on the applicant to control the impact of the development.
