Residents object to 560 homes at Folletts Farm, Bridgwater

They are concerned mainly about the increase in traffic on Dunwear Lane and overdevelopment of the 21.5 hectare site.

The scheme, by Lance Alec Rainey House and Hannick Homes Developments Ltd, would see 560 new homes built on land at Follett's Farm, in Dunwear Lane, near the M5 motorway.

READ MORE: Plan submitted for 560 new homes at Follett's Farm, Bridgwater

The application is an outline plan, meaning particular details of the development are not included, instead it is an overview of what is proposed.

Details show the scheme would include 560 residential properties, as well as access for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.

But residents are concerned about the increase in traffic on Dunwear Lane and Westonzoyland Road, saying there is already a traffic build up on the lane at peak times. And with extra cars headed to the new development, they are concerned this will get worse.

One resident said: "If you consider two cars per household, there could potentially be 1,120 vehicles per day congesting an already busy road structure.

"The surrounding areas simply cannot cope with this potentially disastrous situation."

Another added: "Dunwear Lane cannot sustain more traffic movement.

"There are numerous HGV's from the two industrial states.

"The road is used a racetrack with two or three speeding vehicles in succession, which already results in a danger to the many pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers who use the lane."

Richard Briggs, project manager for the scheme, said they will continue to work with the council and consultees to 'ensure a quality scheme is delivered'.

He said: “The site is allocated in the councils adopted Local Plan for residential development .

"This means that the site has been subject to a sustainability appraisal produced by the council and approved by an independent inspector.

"In addition to the local plan the council have prepared and approved a masterplan for the East of Bridgwater allocation which establishes the parameters for the development of the scheme.

“We will continue to work with the council and its consultees in taking this planning application forward in accordance with these approved plans to ensure a quality scheme is delivered.”

Residents are also concerned about the lack of infrastructure, as there is currently no provision for a doctors surgery, chemist, or shops. They are worried there is not enough facilities already to be able to cope with an increase in homes. 

And objections on the planning application also mention concerns about wildlife, noise, pollution and the safety of cyclists and walkers along Dunwear Lane.

Residents can view the full application online at sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning, using reference 09/21/00017.

Comments on the application are open until June 17, 2021.