A DOZEN local needs affordable homes could be built in Dulverton in a bid to meet housing demand in the town.

The homes would be a mix of two and three-bedroom properties and, if approved, would be built on agricultural land close to five existing properties in Barnes Close Mead owned by Magna West Somerset Housing Association.

The proposal will be considered by members of Exmoor National Park Authority's planning committee next Tuesday and has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Members will be told numerous discussions have been held between the authority, Dulverton Town Council and housing associations over the years in a bid to find suitable development land for an affordable housing scheme.

The land alongside Barnes Close Mead was considered to be the most suitable as it was next to the town's development boundary and the homes would meet an identified housing need in the town.

An officer's report to the committee says: "The development is considered to be well-related to existing buildings and the main built form of Dulverton.

"It incorporates open green space, allotments and a reed bed, all of which are likely to provide benefit for wildlife."

The committee will be told five letters of objection have been lodged against the plans, together with one letter of support and one "other letter".

Objectors had raised concerns about the loss of wildlife habitat, the scale of the development, fears the homes would not be available for local people and an increase in traffic.

Officers will tell members the new homes would be at least three metres below the level of the existing properties in Barnes Close Mead, while there would be a 19-metre gap between the old and new homes at the closest point.

"This is a relatively tight margin but not unacceptable in itself. However, there is a reasonable drop in site levels between Barnes Close Mead and the level of the proposed dwellings," the report says.

A reed bed would be used to alleviate potential flood problems and a footpath created between the development and the nearby public park.

Each home would have an allocated parking space, together with the shared use of a further six spaces for visitors.

As well as a wildlife pond, 14 allotments would be created which would eventually be managed by the town council.

Once completed, the dozen homes would be transferred to Magna.

The officer's report concludes: "The proposed development scheme is considered to provide for an acceptable form of residential development, which will provide a much needed and positive contribution towards the provision of local needs affordable housing for the community."