PLANS for a new 70-bed care home in North Petherton have sparked objections that it will have a detrimental effect on the local community.

New designs for the threestorey building in Stockmoor Village have been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council’s planning department by care provider Somerset Care.

The care home is one of the remaining parts of the £6million, 7.5 acre development by HDD Bridgwater for Stockmoor Village, which also included retail units and homes.

However North Petherton Town Council is objecting to the proposal as members say that the development is one step too far for the community and will result in traffic and parking problems.

The council said in its planning report that it would “object on the grounds that there is insufficient infrastructure in place to meet the needs of development already completed and that the building will have a detrimental impact on the visual environment”.

Concerns were also expressed regarding the sufficiency of parking for residents, staff and visitors, which would lead to parking problems for the local community.”

Most of the shops and homes have now been built at the development, but there has been a delay on getting the care home off the ground.

Sedgemoor District Council’s planning officer Chris Gomm said: “This is a major development and forms part of original plans for Stockmoor approved back in 2008.

There can be delays with these types of developments.

“However amendments to the original plans have been submitted with a care provider now on board so things are progressing. There have been changes made to the design and appearance of the care home in an attempt to make it more attractive.”

A new 4,000 square foot Coop store opened at the site in June last year.

A pharmacy and charity shop have also opened on the site.

A total of 16 one- and twobed apartments and 25 town houses also form part of the planned development.

Most of the shops and homes have now been built but there has been a delay on getting the care home off the ground.

Mr Gomm said: “This is a major development and forms part of original plans for Stockmoor approved back in 2008.

There can be delays with these types of developments.

“However amendments to the original plans have been submitted with a care provider now on board so things are progressing.

“There have been changes made to the design and appearance of the care home in an attempt to make it more attractive.”