Writhlington residents in shock at plans to develop land from the back of their allotments into a new housing estate for 160 homes, are rallying round and calling a public meeting for Monday, 26th November at the Village Hall, starting at 6.30 p.m.

Whilst the developer has not yet put in a formal application to B&NES Council, residents have begun receiving the plans through their letterboxes – and the reaction has not been a positive one.

Town Councillors on the planning committee met before the full November meeting on Monday evening this week and discussed the proposals, later hearing from residents who attended to express their concerns.

The problem Radstock has, is that it is without a Placemaking Plan, which leaves it vulnerable to large developments such as this.

The proposals by developer, Gladman, seek 160 new homes of varying sizes, including up to 30% affordable housing, new, publicly accessible green space; including woodland and hedgerow planting, play areas and footpaths; overflow parking for St Mary’s CofE Primary School, parking for allotments and residents on Manor Road, a no through route on Old Road, preventing traffic heading west; and extended allotments. The main access would be via Manor Road, with the proposed widening of Old Road and Green Parlour Road.

In material distributed to residents, Gladman says it ‘recognises its responsibility to respect the character of the village and needs of the existing community’.

Speaking at the Town Council, Radstock Town Councillor, Elizabeth Derl-Davis, said: “This sounds like the sort of development that would have been seen off, if we had had a neighbourhood plan.”

Cllr Chris Dando added: “Because of a lack of local plan, it would be difficult to oppose. The major difficulty will be access.”

Cllr Nick Toogood, who spoke of the cumulative effect of fifty homes recently built at Knobsbury Lane, said: “I would not be against some housing, particularly social housing, but 160 homes are too many.”

The Town Councillors agreed that they would write to B&NES Council to ask for a site meeting and express their concerns over the number of houses proposed, the type of development, access and traffic issues.

“This is going to change the whole structure of Writhlington and we need to get this right,” said Cllr Bruce Shearn.

Speaking at the meeting, local resident, Helen Gulliford, addressed Councillors. She said: “Quite a few residents are really upset over it. We have major concerns about such a huge development, which would alter Writhlington drastically.

“We have concerns about traffic access and the impact on the school, the environment, air quality, ecology, drainage and social pressures on local services, including the schools.”

Another local resident added: “Many of you will know that we have a drugs problem in the area, and in Writhlington in particular – we know that green open spaces are already being used for drugs use in the village.

“I think this needs to be tackled alongside the police, and we need to do more about it before we start increasing the number of residents.”

Addressing the meeting, the Mayor of Radstock, Cllr Rupert Bevan, said: “The problem is that we haven’t had a formal application from the developer, and until then, we are unable to respond. The important thing, however, is that there is a united reaction.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Residents are invited to go along on Monday evening to hear more at the village hall and share their views on the plans from 6.30 p.m.