A MASTER plan described as an “extensive regeneration opportunity for Bridgwater” is set to be discussed by Sedgemoor planners on Wednesday.

Sedgemoor District Council has created a design blueprint for land to the east of the A38. This includes the cattle market site, the Bristol Road Playing Fields, the allotment land to the north of the cemetery and the Crypton Business Park.

By establishing a set of guidelines, the council hopes to take a “positive lead in bringing forward these sites as part of a regeneration framework and assist in bringing together a regeneration partnership of land owners”.

A design brief says the guidelines were needed due to “recent development pressures and other existing planning approvals”.

Plans by Exeter-based developer, The Housing Guild, for 200 homes to be created on the former Bridgwater Cattle Market site are currently being considered.

The Housing Guild says the site is “unkempt” and its scheme will help regenerate the area, and “create an attractive and sustainable neighbourhood” residents feel proud of.

The sentiment is echoed Sedgemoor’s overall design blueprint for the area. SDC says the document provides the opportunity to promote residential development and clear up brownfield sites, adding: “This will be critical in improving the image of this area as a whole for residents, visitors and investors alike.”

But Bridgwater resident Bob Cudlipp told the Mercury he is concerned the new plans place more emphasis on development and not enough on retaining green space.

He said: “It could result in loss of future green space for the community. We’ve already lost part of the Brewery Field to the Tesco development and I’m sure if more people knew about this, they’d have something to say.

“If we lose the Bristol Road playing fields it will be a big loss to all the young people who depend on such green space to meet and play.

“It doesn’t look like planners are making enough provision for green space to replace that which has been lost.”

The report says the area of green space owned by Bridgwater Town council contains “disused allotments”. It also described the playing fields as “under used”.

The guidelines, recommended for approval, will be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday, December 11.

To register to speak visit www.sedgemoor.gov.uk and search for ‘request to speak’.

Fill in the online form and it will be sent to Democratic Services, who will contact the person registering.

Alternatively, call 0845-4082544.