Plans for 255 new homes on Writhlington farmland have been unanimously opposed by Radstock Town Councillors. At the monthly meeting of the full Council on Monday evening, each Councillor around the table was given the opportunity to speak about the proposals.

Traffic increase, sustainability, safety, transport and environmental concerns were all raised at the meeting. Cllr Nick Toogood took part in a traffic survey and reported to Councillors that 1,083 vehicles had been recorded between 8 am - 9 am and 1,033 between 3 pm and 4 pm.

He said: “We have spoken about this for so long now. We are petrified of what will happen. There is no way that schools can take the extra numbers. It is the knock-on effect as well. Another major problem is rat running through lanes to Peasedown St John.”

Cllr Adrian Dodgson argued there would need to be a serious facilities investment, including provision for electricity surges and better sewage systems. He said: “The current network cannot really cope with what is there at the moment, it all needs upgrading. From a climate point of view, I’ve seen the fields flood quite frequently. With further housing up there and less run off, I don’t see how the area would cope with the extra housing. I would also call for wind or solar power to support the development.”

Cllr Elizabeth Derl-Davis said it was an absolute no unless infrastructure to support a development of that size was present. She said: “We simply must jump up and down and say a big no, no, never, never until the infrastructure is in place.”

Cllr Mike Boulton argued that the MP should be involved. Writhlington Action Group have recently met with Metro Mayor, Dan Norris at the site and planned to approach Jacob Rees-Mogg at one of his local surgeries. Cllr Boulton said: “We are all in agreement about the situation. The point is, what can we do about it? It is absolutely impossible for a town of this size to bear the brunt of a development as large as this. Mendip are putting the problem on to us.”

Cllr Chris Dando said the Council would need to be very clear about its objections, which include a general lack of facilities, employment opportunities and environmental concerns. He said: It would be of serious ecological detriment to take this agricultural land away, particularly at a time of COP26 – we need to reflect if that is a sensible solution to any of our problems.

“It is a site that has been rejected on multiple occasions – B&NES currently has its five year housing requirement met and they chose not to include this site in the Local Plan update, so I think that therefore this development is not compliant with planning policy.”

Cllr Nick Toogood proposed that the Town Council formally object to the planning application, seconded by Cllr Colin Currie and voted for unanimously. B&NES Council will have the final say with a decision due in mid-January next year.