A PROJECT to build 186 homes off Haygrove Road in Bridgwater has been recommended for approval.

The application by Joe Notaro and joint developer David Wilson Homes is to be decided by Sedgemoor’s development committee on February 12.

The proposal has gone to committee because ward councillors, the Town Council and Parish Council disagree with the case officer's recommendation to approve it.

The Town Council has labelled the adoption of The Meads Supplementary Planning Document and the residential development “premature” as brown and greenfield sites are already identified for development in and around the town.

In August, Sedgemoor District Council refused an application by the same developers for 187 homes south of Haygrove Farm, because they felt there was insufficient evidence to warrant the early release of the land.

But the new application includes amendments, such as reducing the height of previously proposed three-storey homes near Durleigh Park.

Bridgwater Wyndham Ward Cllr Gill Slocombe told the Mercury: “I feel it is a new application, but still believe this housing development is not needed in the first half of the Core Strategy. Any exceptional circumstances do not warrant the early release of this land.

“Ward councillors, town councillors, Durleigh Parish Council and at least 50 other residents have all objected to this proposal. They can’t all be wrong.”

People submitted 57 letters of objection, including a petition opposing the development. Reasons included concerns over traffic congestion, road safety of pupils from Haygrove School, threats to wildlife, flooding issues and a general feeling that more housing is not currently needed.

In a statement, the developers said: “Overall, the revisions to the original scheme have resulted in a simpler and more legible layout with a clear loop road, enhanced pedestrian links from the southern frontage into the development, and improvements to the central area of open space.”

The scheme is recommended for approval, subject to a section 106 agreement with a series of terms and conditions including: contribution to the Meads Eco Park, provision of 30% affordable housing on site, a Travel Plan, zebra crossing, flood tariff, play facilities and a financial contribution to education.