AN application for plans to build 94 homes and light industrial units in Wiveliscombe has met with strong opposition from a local district councillor, civic organisation and residents in the town.

And one objection calls on Taunton Deane planners to be transparent about all considerations, and not to take into account Somerset County Council’s aim to use proceeds from the sale of the land to support the delivery of its services, as a factor in deciding the application.

The development proposal for the homes and 18 mixed-use commercial units is on just over 16 acres at Sandys Moor, largely on farmland and adjoining the former abattoir. Part of the site for residential development is currently designated for employment on the local plan.

The land is owned by Somerset County Council, CMS Developments Ltd and Wessex Water Services Ltd, and the application is being made jointly by West of England Developments and Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd.

Comments and letters of objection to the plan, say that:

* Sandys Moor has not been allocated for housing in the Local Plan and should remain for business use only.

n The proposed housing would be on top of the extra 200 homes already allocated in Wiveliscombe, and the Development Plan for the town is up to date, with sufficient sites and housing numbers.

* There is already pressure on schools, the doctors’ surgery and parking, and this would add an extra burden to overstretched services.

* New business-use applications have been submitted and approved, contrary to the developers claim that they have not been made for the site, and more may follow, especially now these developments are underway.

* Taunton Deane is currently fighting an appeal against proposals for over 90 extra houses north of the town, and it would be inconsistent to allow this development and not the other.

* All material considerations in determining the planning applications should be totally transparent.

* A Somerset County Council document states that proceeds of sale of this land would be reinvested into financially supporting delivery of its services, but this should not be a planning factor in determining this application.

* Public consultation was poorly publicised, and no leaflets were distributed at Wiveliscombe Primary School or to neighbours, as stated.

At the time of going to press, there were no comments in favour of the application.