PLANS for up to 25 homes to be built in the next few years on agricultural fields on the edge of Wiveliscombe have sparked opposition from local residents.

Taunton-based Summerfield Homes Ltd wants to develop 4.3 acres of grazing land next to Greenway Farm, off North Street, but does not expect to be on site until the end of 2028.

The company leafletted about 500 Wiveliscombe properties in September and also met town councillors to brief them on the plans while running an online public consultation webpage for three weeks to allow people to give feedback.

Somerset Council, which will decide the application, received 11 letters from residents in the first week after it was publicised, only one of which was in support of the proposals.

Th authority is asking for public comments by January 3 and has set a target to make a decision by March 10.

Cllr Dave Mansell, who represents the town on Somerset Council, said his initial belief was that the site was not suited for development.

He said it would mean extra traffic going through the town centre and it would adversely impact on the landscape.

Cllr Mansell said: “There are parking and traffic problems in the central part of Wiveliscombe, including The Square.

“Further development in the town would also add to pressure on local infrastructure, which also needs support and improvement to serve more people.”

However, Cllr Mansell said he would reconsider his position now the application had been formally submitted and might make further comments

Plain Pond resident Peter Blaker said there had already been significant building on land designated for housing in Wiveliscombe, while the Summerfield site was outside the development boundary.

Mr Blaker said North Street was narrow and already congested at school drop-off and pick-up times, and the proposed development would put additional stress on Wiveliscombe’s infrastructure.

He said: “Enclosure of Wiveliscombe by housing development at both ends will alter the fundamental rural nature of the town, making it a less desirable place to live.”

Peter Doherty, of North Street, pointed to the ‘narrow bottleneck’ access via the junction next to the White Hart public house, which would become more congested with an estimated 137 extra vehicle movements each day.

Mr Doherty said 94 new homes at Sandys Moor, with a further 70 planned for Burges Lane, were together increasing the population by up to 15 per cent in just four to five years.

There was little evidence of improvements to the town’s health, education, retail, transport, energy, water, sewage disposal, and other services, without another 25 houses bringing in another 50 to 60 residents.

Alexis Thomas, of Maundown Road, said the proposed new estate would contribute to the merging of Langley Marsh and Wiveliscombe.

However, Joe Jones said it would allow mobility in Wiveliscombe’s housing market for first time buyers by freeing-up larger homes as people downsized.

Mr Jones said infrastructure arguments should be ignored because more residents and children meant more money for schools and doctors and more customers for shops.