Council Strongly Opposed to Plans for 350 Extra Homes

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Wincanton town council has strongly opposed plans for 350 additional homes earmarked for the town by South Somerset District Council.

Town councillors say they are unable to assess the impact the extra housing would have on the infrastructure of the town due to ongoing expansion.

The town is already committed to 703 extra houses over the next few years, some of which are already built.

As part of the district council's core strategy draft plan, a total of 1,053 would be built over the next 15 years, increasing the town's population by approximately 2,000. The plans include proposals for 1.5 hectares of employment land but fears have been raised that there will not be enough jobs or services to cater for a rise in the town's population of nearly 50 per cent.

Writing to district councillor Ric Pallister, portfolio holder for planning economic development and transport, town council clerk Sam Skirton outlined why local councillors opposed the plans.

She said: "Council strongly opposes the 350 residual additional housing provision for Wincanton as the 703 housing commitment has yet to be completed, we cannot assess the impact such an increase in the population would have on the infrastructure, services and quality of life within the town.

"Council agreed no further housing developments should be considered for at least 10 years to fully assess the impact of the current developments at New Barns Farm and Deanesly Way.

The public consultation for the proposals closed last Friday. Comments and feedback will now be considered by SSDC before the next stage of the strategy starts.

A SSDC spokesperson said: "We are working on an Infrastructure Delivery Plan which will consider in more detail what infrastructure and road improvements may be needed to accompany new development.

"Importantly, we are at a very early stage in the whole process and there will be later stages of consultation.

"These initial proposals have emerged following years of research.

"We have been working with all of the town and parish councils for over a year on proposals for their areas.

"We are pleased with the response from Wincanton so far and indeed, over 100 people came along to the special consultation event held by the district council in the town."

Article first published in the Western Gazette

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