RESIDENTS universally opposed plans for 130 homes off Chilcompton Road at a resident’s meeting held by B&NES Independent Cllr Shaun Hughes for Midsomer Norton North.

At the heated meeting at Welton Rovers Football Club, the Taylor Wimpey development was described as ‘outrageous’ and one that the town’s infrastructure cannot support.

The mood in the packed room was one of frustration as developers put forward plans for green fields when brown field sites remain untouched, says Cllr Hughes.

Furthermore, residents expressed shock that Taylor Wimpey were ‘invited’ by B&NES Council to apply before the Draft Local Plan was finalised, with residents querying why developers should be invited ahead of the democratic process to decided if the site is suitable and prior to the public consultation.

Opponents also argued that local services are already at capacity, citing a critical lack of NHS dentists, doctors, and secondary school spaces.

Traffic and safety concerns focused on Chilcompton Road, described as a “single road funnel” that already struggles with buses and tractors. Adding hundreds of cars would cause “severe adverse impact" and jeopardise the safety of local horse riders using the adjacent bridleway.

Residents expressed scepticism regarding proposed attenuation basins, pointing out that the River Somer already overflows its banks during winter, and said the development threatens valuable agricultural land and risks exacerbating local flooding.

The consultation process was described as ‘manipulated’, with feedback forms failing to ask if residents wanted the development at all.

The community is urging B&NES to prioritise brownfield sites, such as the derelict Welton Bibby and Baron site, over the destruction of green fringes.

Residents were urged to submit formal objections once the application goes live later this month.

A next meeting is planned for the end of June at Welton Rovers Football Club.

The developer Taylor Wimpey has been contacted for comment.