PLANS to build up to 250 “much needed” homes on green buffer land between Rockwell Green and Wellington, near the site of a Somerset nature reserve, are being finalised.
While plans have not yet been submitted, developer Persimmon Homes South West has released more detail following a public consultation about their plans last month, with a website now launched where people can leave their comments.
Persimmon Homes says the development will feature public open space, address local housing needs, incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly features, and blend with the surrounding neighbourhood to foster a sense of place and community.
Vehicular access to the development is proposed to be delivered via a priority junction with the A38 to the south, which will also feature a right turn lane for traffic turning into the site.
Another key element of access strategy is to downgrade Popes Lane, preventing through movements between the A38 and the centre of Rockwell Green – an area that is a popular shortcut with locals.
The nearby land between Fox’s Field and Exeter Road was signed over to Wellington Town Council, to protect and enhance the area.
Persimmon Homes has proposed to build next to this nature reserve, but says that “significant green space will be provided” as a buffer.
The developer claims “all feedback to-date has been positive”.
However residents say this plan is a continuation of the area being targeted by housing developers without more significant infrastructure put in place such as dentists and schools.
There are further concerns that the area will soon be linked to the urban sprawl of Taunton if it subjected to more housing developments as well as concerns that it would reduce the buffer between Rockwell Green and Wellington.
The plans have not been universally well received Picture: Persimmon Homes South West
One resident said: “[I’m] not against new homes. But has the infrastructure around supporting them been considered?
READ MORE: Have your say on plans for 250 homes between Rockwell Green and Wellington
The developer says that the new houses would create jobs and make a dent in the housing waiting list in West Somerset.
It also says that “significant” funding will become available for the local planning authority through a Section 106 agreement which could include public and active transport provision, financial contributions towards health and education and sporting facilities.
A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes South West said: “The site is identified in the adopted Wellington Place Plan (2023) as the only potential residential site for Rockwell Green.
“It is noted in the plan that development here would have great access to green space and could help frame the space to make it feel safe and sociable.”
Details of layout, landscaping, scale and appearance will be reserved for future determination, but indicative information will be included with the submission.
Have your say on the plans by visiting www.persimmon-popes-lane.co.uk/questionnaire/
What are your thoughts on the plans? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@somersetleveller.co.uk
I do not believe that feedback has been wholeheartedly positive for this development, based upon feedback that I have been told has been given by significant numbers that are not in support of this going ahead. The infrastructure and local services are already unable to cope with the existing population. Local people already find it hard to purchase properties so building more dues not ease that problem as most purchasers are likely to be from outside of the area. What could be more convincing that this and the myriad of other recent schemes, and proposals, are not of benefit to the quality of life or small community?
Why don’t you build on fox,s factory it’s been a eyesore for years instead of green fields in this will create more flooding in Rockwell green and will not create any jobs
Ludicrous claim that there has been no negative feedback just look at the last couple of days comments for a taste of how local residents feel. Wellington cannot take any further development without prior investment in the infrastructure to support existing let alone increased population. To spell it out in case it’s not clear this means medical facilities i.e doctors and dentists, more schools and other amenities. As an example the Monument View developments is still not complete and sold out so until this is accomplished there is no need whatsoever for any further large-scale development.
did you not read any of the comments left at the open day seems not