THE plans for the controversial Northgate site in Bridgwater could be given the green light at a final development meeting.

The decision will be made by the Sedgemoor District Council planning committee on July 19.

Concepts for the area include a school, which would be the first phase, car parking, extending Brewery Field, a pub, supermarket and leisure complex.

Doug Bamsey, corporate director of Sedgemoor District Council, said: "The planning committee will come to their conclusions.

"There will probably be a reasonable amount of debate due to where the site is and its size.

"Representatives from the application will be there, and people will be able to hear any objections and a planning officer will present a report.

"People can ask the planning officer questions and there will be a conclusion.

"The school is the first phase, and so people can see the design of it, and how it fits in with the town.

"It is detailed, as the school is for consent and would be finished next year if it goes ahead."

Bridgwater Town Council has pledged its support for aspects of the project, yet stressed concerns.

Councillor Leigh Redman said: "We support the leisure led facility and the enhancement of Brewery Field, but are concerned at the phasing priorities of these options.

"We feel enhancements should be brought forward, possibly as part of the celebration mile and which included the docks to town centre links as a major attraction.

"We want to be assured of sustainable walk and cycle routes and adequate car parking, which doesn’t affect residents.

"We are concerned about the low priority of the crucial junction works and the tying of them to commercial considerations, rather than making them concurrent with the school.

"We are concerned about the major loss of trees and about the continued fascination with supermarkets and would urge the alternative development of the hotel option."

Councillor Brian Smedley said: "Traffic movements are also a concern- the area around Northgate is particularly busy at what would be school opening and closing times.

"The towns roads can become gridlocked very easily as has occurred on a regular basis.

"Parking is also an issue around Anson Way and creates an unsafe crossing area for pedestrians from the Brewery Field onto the docks area."

Residents also sparked their concern on our social media debate.

Cheryll Garlick said: "The town needs a leisure area for all to use but there's no money in it for them.

"We need the council to look at the long term benefit to the public and having a town people are proud to live in."

Susan Gillett said: "They could do with something where the youngsters can hang out as they've got nothing in Bridgwater to do- a bike and skate ramp or swimming, not houses."

For all the latest news and decision on the Northgate plans, visit bridgwatermercury.co.uk