A WEBSITE has been set up by housebuilders Persimmon Homes South West to let residents tell the company their thoughts on its proposals to build up to 250 new homes in Rockwell Green.

The company said it expected to submit a planning application to Somerset Council later this year for the development on either side of Popes Lane.

It held a much-criticised public consultation last month, inviting residents to look at illustrative drawings and plans during a three-hour drop-in session in the Well Christian Centre.

Hundreds of people attended, but some were critical of the company for what they saw as doing a minimal amount ‘to tick the consultation box’.

Now, Persimmon has launched a dedicated website describing the site and its key design features with a questionnaire.

Red lines outline the land Persimmon Homes proposes to develop off Popes Lane, Rockwell Green.
Red lines outline the land Persimmon Homes proposes to develop off Popes Lane, Rockwell Green. Photo: Persimmon. ( )

The questionnaire provides an opportunity for people to express their support or opposition to the proposed development and to explain the reasons why they feel the way they do.

A spokesperson said Persimmon welcomed people’s thoughts and comments on the development as part of its engagement strategy and ‘all feedback to date has been positive’.

The spokesperson said: “The development, featuring public open space, will address local housing needs, incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly features, and blend with the surrounding neighbourhood to foster a sense of place and community.

“The scheme will provide a mix of house types and tenures, including much-needed affordable housing for the area.

“Persimmon is committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which it develops, so will be engaging thoroughly with the local community to ensure our scheme delivers on local priorities.

“The plans are at an early stage and more information will be forthcoming and published on this website as they become available.

“This website explains the features of the application and provides an opportunity to respond to our questionnaire and give views on the scheme.”

The spokesperson said the firm was engaging on the emerging proposals with Somerset Council and Wellington Town Council to help ensure the development was high-quality and locally distinctive.

They said: “This development will create jobs, generate council tax revenue, and help make a dent in the housing waiting list.

“Data from Persimmon’s sites shows that a significant majority of our customers are local to the areas in which we build, demonstrating that local people are the main beneficiaries of new homes, with new infrastructure and financial contributions helping the wider community.”

A legal agreement with Somerset Council would be agreed as part of the planning process to provide ‘significant funding’ for local services.

The spokesperson said: “This could include public and active transport provision, financial contributions towards health and education, and sporting facilities, for instance.

“Recommendations on where monies should go can be made as part of the process, including local councillors.”

A quarter of the new housing would be reserved for a housing association to help address the 3,175 people in the west of Somerset who were on the council’s waiting list.

The Persimmon website can be found here.