250 NEW homes could be built on fields near the M5 in Wellington under controversial new proposals.
Around 90 Wellington residents packed the United Reformed Church Hall last night (March 3) to learn more about Wellington Land Value Alliance’s (LVA) proposals to build on land south of Oldway Road.
Plans have not yet been submitted to Somerset Council, but LVA has detailed its ambition to deliver a mix of one, two, three and four-bed homes – including 63 affordable homes, public open space and “improved” habitat.
LVA says the housing mix would ensure there are enough smaller properties to allow people to get on the housing ladder or to downsize.
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As it is near the Wellington Monument, LVA says they would retain key views of the landmark throughout the site.
Access has been proposed off Oldway Road (A38) and an outline planning application is expected to be submitted in spring.
‘Wellington will continue to oppose these proposals’
The plans are a controversial subject in Wellington, as the town mayor, councillor Janet Lloyd, said a show of hands at the meeting last night revealed that not one of the 90 attendees supported the development.
She said concerns were raised over the impact the houses would have on “already inadequate” public infrastructure in the town as well as concerns over flooding.
“When we last discussed proposals from Pegasus for this area of land in May 2023, we had around twenty people attend the meeting, so the fact we had around ninety this time shows how strongly people feel about this proposal and how it is being handled,” she said.
She added: “As important is the fact that the A38 has always been seen as the natural boundary for the town, and this was confirmed when Somerset West and Taunton published the Wellington Place Plan in March 2023.
The site masterplan Picture: LVA
“If this proposal is agreed, it will [sit on] the thin end of the wedge and the end of the green space between the A38 and the M5.
“We will be discussing how the council intends to respond to the consultation at our policy and finance committee on March 10 at 6pm.
“That said, given the mood of the meeting last night, I have no doubt that the town council will be looking to work with our community and Wellington Without Parish Council, where the site is located, and its community to oppose these proposals.”
A spokesperson for LVA said: “The proposals would provide a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes to help address housing need within the wider area.
“Many people know someone struggling to buy a home or living with relatives as unable to access the housing market.
”The scheme will include 25% affordable housing (a mix of tenures including social rent) which can be prioritised for local people.
“The latest government data shows 9,884 households on the local authority waiting list (for the former Somerset Council). The delivery of affordable housing is a key benefit of proposals.”
To contribute to the consultation, visit www.oldwayroadconsultation.co.uk
The consultation will end on March 21.
I object to this new proposed development as there is insufficient infrastructure to service it.
There is already difficulty turning into the A38 from Pyles Thorne Road due to volume of traffic. Pyles Thorne Road is too narrow for two cars to pass before it reaches the roundabout into South Street. There have been several recent near misses on the road where it narrows. Increased traffic would only make this worse.
The A38 has also flooded several times near the nearby roundabout this winter and previous winter and this development would also increase the risk of flooding. Mitigation is already need for the present development. Thank you.