RESIDENTS of Rockwell Green have hit out at plans for 29 homes on land next to Popes Lane.

Wainhomes (SW) Holdings wants to build the homes with associated infrastructure and public open space on a 6.33-acre field to the south-east of the village.

But residents of Andrew Allan Road have raised fears over flooding, increased traffic, the loss of wildlife habitat and over-development of the Wellington area.

One, commenting on the planning application, says: “Our feeling is that Wellington has built more than its fair share of new homes already and that any more will devalue the lives of those already settled here.”

Wainhomes says the development would provide an attractive gateway to Rockwell Green for people arriving from the south along Popes Lane. The scheme, which also includes a new children’s play area, would be built away from lower-lying land on the site, which is within a floodplain.

Homes, including a quarter of ‘affordable’ properties, would be traditional in design and range from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom detached houses, and include a short terrace. Cars would get in and out from a new access off Popes Lane, which would be widened to allow for two-way traffic north from the site entrance.

One group of Andrew Allan Road residents who oppose the project say in a submission to Taunton Deane Borough Council that the land has been used for growing cereal crops for several years and add: “The proposed development would be on the natural drainage path for the elevated land lying to the west...any building on this natural flood defence seems crazy.”

The same residents criticise the amount of extra traffic the development would bring. “Popes Lane is just a small, windy single carriageway that already carries too much traffic between the A38 and Rockwell Green,” they say.

”Any further traffic movement from the approx 60-odd vehicles entering and exiting from the proposed site is a recipe for disaster.”

Residents also raise fears for wildlife on the land which is said to provide home and food for wild birds including owls, foxes, hedgehogs, bees, frogs and newts.

Another resident says: “From a personal perspective the priceless views I and a number of my neighbours currently have to Wellington Monument will be obliterated, which will result in serious devaluation of our respective properties.”

n IN another planning application Gladman Developments is seeking to build up to 250 homes with public open space and recreational facilities on land west of Bagley Road, Rockwell Green.