Residents object to 26 homes plan in Middlezoy, near Bridgwater

Summerfield Developments submit plans for the homes on Back Lane in Middlezoy on November 4.

The development would comprise 26 homes, with a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, as well as footpath links leading to The George Inn pub and the village school via Nethermoor Road and Back Lane.

READ MORE: Plan for 26 new homes in Middlezoy near Bridgwater submitted

But residents in the village are strongly opposed to the development, saying they are concerned about increasing traffic, parking problems and pollution; lack of affordable housing, lack of consultation with residents and Middlezoy Parish Council (MPC) and disruption, noise and debris.

They are also concerned that the housing in Middlezoy would raise by 10 per cent with this one development, and that a further 30/35 houses would be needed to fully meeting the affordable housing brief in the village.

Summerfield director, Ed Khodabandehloo, said the business has a 'good track record' of delivering 'both affordable and open market housing' in Sedgemoor.

“Our planning application in Middlezoy guarantees the village 10 good quality affordable homes which can be delivered quickly once a planning permission for the 26 plots is granted," he said.

“There is a considerable local need for affordable and open market housing identified in the Parish which is why we have submitted this policy compliant application on a site that the parish council has previously identified as suitable for this type of scheme."

MPC has objected to the application, alongside the comments on the planning application and 334 signatures on the petition.

The council has said they are objecting due to the following issues:

• Road safety concerns
• Impact on neighbouring properties
• Compliance with local planning policy
• Environmental issues
• Insufficient public consultation

The petition against the plans has been set up by the Friends of Middlezoy and can be signed by visiting change.org/p/opposition-to-planning-application-no-34-21-00008-for-26-homes-on-back-lane-middlezoy-somerset.

This petition was originally launched in 2018, when Back Lane was chosen for a similar development by another company - but a planning application was never submitted.

The petition states: "Back Lane is a totally unsuitable site.

"It's location and associated access is extremely poor, and will undoubtedly significantly increase the risk of personal injury to residents and visitors alike should the development go ahead."

Residents have until December 10 to submit their comments on the planning application. To view and comment on the planning application, visit the Sedgemoor Planning website and use reference 34/21/00008.