A NEW application to build 186 homes on land off Haygrove Road has been met with opposition from town councillors today (November 22).

Sedgemoor District Council in August refused plans by Joe Notaro and joint developer David Wilson Homes for 187 homes south of Haygrove Farm.

But senior town councillors today discussed a new application by the developers, with amendments including reducing the height of previously proposed three-storey homes near Durleigh Park.

Speaking at the planning meeting, the fresh application was labelled “premature” by Cllr David Baker, Bridgwater Wyndham Ward.

He added: “The land is down for development in the second part of Sedgemoor District Council’s Core Strategy, meaning after 2015.

“I feel we should oppose this application. We opposed it the first time and I feel little has changed.”

Although the newly-submitted plans also include changes to road designs and the provision of extra pedestrian paths, there are still fears among residents and councillors it will swallow up more green space and cause congestion problems.

Cllr Ian Tucker, Bridgwater Dunwear Ward, said: “There’s always congestion on Durleigh Road and I think this will only add to that.

“I was opposed to it last time as I couldn’t see how this development, at present, was needed.

“My gut feeling is it’s still not needed - in a few years time, maybe, but not at present. I cannot support this.”

But Cllr Mick Lerry, Bridgwater Victoria Ward, said: “I am supporting this application because it is associated with the [Meads] transformation project.

“There’s been no objections from the County Council’s Highways Team and I think there’s a need for development of housing around Bridgwater town.

“I hope it will allow people to move and upgrade their housing, but also attract people to work, live and spend their money in Bridgwater.”

A vote was cast, with one vote for approval and two for refusal of planning permission.

The Town Council will recommend refusal of planning permission to Sedgemoor District Council. To register comments, visit
http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning%20online/enl.aspx with application number 08/12/00182 before November 30, 2012.