PLANS have been submitted for a development of 73 homes on the eastern fringes of Watchet.

Summerfield Developments has applied to West Somerset Council for permission to build a mix of affordable and open market homes on the site off Doniford Road.

The land is currently used for agriculture and is owned by local farmer Edward Down of Doniford Farm.

Access to the development would be through the neighbouring Holm View estate, which was given planning permission back in 2005.

In its application to the council, Summerfield said: "The development offers an opportunity to build an exciting new development and create a high quality scheme that is well integrated to its surrounding environment.

"The development will offer a range of new houses, including 35 per cent of the dwellings as affordable, adjacent to existing development, and offer improved links to the surrounding areas.

"The development will utilise the far reaching views afforded the site across Helwell Bay.

"It will reflect the historic character of the area, respecting traditional architecture and materials found in West Somerset."

The proposals include plans for 25 social and affordable homes to rent, shared equity properties and low-cost houses.

Of those, eight would be one bedroom, nine two bedroom and eight would be three bedroom properties.

The remaining 48 homes would be open market dwellings with single garages, while additional parking areas would be provided in courtyards or within the curtilages of the houses.

The larger properties would be built towards the Helwell Bay side of the development around a proposed area of open space, while the properties fronting on to Doniford Road would be designed as a terrace to reflect existing homes in the area.

The new homes would also result in payments totalling £147,000 to Somerset County Council towards the provision of additional pre-school and primary school places, once half of the properties were occupied.