PROTECTED trees on the edge of Taunton could be torn down to allow more than 1,400 new homes to be built.

Persimmon Homes South West and Redrow Homes put forward joint plans in December 2021 for phase two of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension, which will deliver new homes at Taunton’s north-eastern edge along with employment sites, a new school and a relief road.

A decision on the plans has been repeatedly delayed since September 2022, during which time the masterplan for the development has been altered through substantial negotiations between the developers and planning officers.

Under the most recent revisions to the masterplan, a number of trees which are covered by tree preservation orders (TPOs) will have to be cut down to make room for the new relief road linking the new homes to the A38.

West Monkton Parish Council has stringently objected to this element and is calling on local residents to formally oppose the destruction of these trees.

In a statement published Facebook, West Monkton Parish Council said: “We need your help to stop the developers putting profits before wildlife.

“Persimmon and Redrow Homes want to cut down up to eight mature trees as part of their proposed 1,450 home Monkton Heathfield phase two development.

“At least six of the trees have tree preservation orders on them, and three are mature oaks that must be more than 100 years old.

“The trees are important habitat for rare and endangered bats that the developers own ecological surveys have identified in the area.”

Phase two of the urban extension covers the land between the existing homes and the Walford Cross waste depot, along with a small amount of land to the north of Monkton Elm Garden Centre.

The most recent version of the plans envision a total of 1,450 homes, nearly five hectares of employment land, a ‘through’ school, a ‘district centre’ with local shops, a ‘mobility hub’ and a new eastern relief road to link up with the A38.

The green space within the site has been significantly rearranged, with the relief road being surrounded by new homes rather than skirting around the southern and eastern edges via a series of roundabouts.

Numerous local residents have already objected to the planned loss of trees on the council’s official planning portal.

Stuart Goble, who lives on Mead Way, said: “I think it is disgraceful and shows a total lack of consideration for our dwindling natural environment, that Persimmon want to cut down tress with TPOs on them.”

David Fowler, who lives on Bawler Road, concurred: “The trees have been identified as either being suitable for, or currently containing bat roosts. Protected trees have significant aesthetic value to the community, contributing to the area’s character and residents’ quality of life.”

The council’s planning committee west is expected to make a decision on the Monkton Heathfield proposals by the late-autumn.

To make a formal objection to the plans, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land and search for planning application number 14/21/0047.