A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for 27 homes has finally been approved - after being rejected twice.
Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) have granted permission for the homes at Paddons Farm in Stogursey, after the plans were rejected for being too ‘cramped’.
In 2007, planning permission was granted for Strongvox Homes to build 59 new homes on the site.
The development was started, and mostly completed by 2008, with 39 homes finished.
However when the global financial crises happened in 2008, funding for the project disappeared and construction was stopped.
Colliers Planning have now obtained permission to build a further 27 homes on the site – after resubmitting the planning application three times.
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Many residents in the area have objected to the planning application, concerned about the increase in traffic, the movement of the play park and overcrowding issues.
The park is set to be moved next to a running stream on a slope – and residents believe this is a “dangerous position”.
One resident said: “We completely object to the moving of our much loved park, that is used by many families on our estate, to position it in a dangerous area on the bank of our stream.”
The new play area has permission to be built, but SWT has made sure residents will continue to have the use of a play park throughout development.
The planning application has been granted subject to the condition – amongst others – that the “children’s play area is to remain open until the replacement children’s area has been completed”.
To view the planning application visit SWT’s planning website and enter reference number 3/32/20/009.
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