PROPOSALS for a controversial development of up to 71 new homes on a green field site on the outskirts of Minehead could be heading for approval. The scheme from the Williams Partnership would see a mix of family and starter homes - detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and flats - built on agricultural land off Hopcott Road. The plans, which would include 25 affordable homes with the remainder sold on the open market, have brought a wave of objections from local residents, with Minehead Town Council also registering its opposition. But West Somerset Council's planning committee will be recommended to grant outline permission when it considers the proposal at a meeting next Thursday (June 26). In a report to councillors, planning officer Elizabeth Peeks says the site is outside Minehead's current development limits but as the council is not in a position to demonstrate a five-year land supply, the application has to be considered in the context of presumption in favour of sustainable development. The development, on a north-facing slope just over a ten-minute walk from the town centre, would include cycleways along Hopcott Road, 300 cycle spaces and 142 parking spaces, along with some coach house-style garaging. Mrs Peeks says it is considered that the benefits of the proposal, in terms of the contribution to the supply of housing, are a significant factor which weigh in favour of granting planning permission. "The negative impacts of the development can be mitigated to a large degree and are not considered to outweigh the benefits," she says. Mrs Peeks says the site is considered suitable for housing - the land is low grade in its agricultural quality - and represents sustainable development. The application has attracted a total of 84 letters, the vast majority opposed to the development. Concerns range from the impact on the landscape and tourism to the lack of jobs in the area and the steepness of the site. But one supporter has highlighted that the land was earmarked more than two years ago for potential housing to help meet the need for 2,500 new homes to be provided in the district over the next 20 years. If councillors agree the recommendation, delegated authority to grant outline permission will be given to the council's assistant director of planning and environment, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement, a raft of conditions and the negotiation of any minor alterations.