CAMPAIGNERS trying to save an "Arts and Crafts-styled villa" from the bulldozers are hoping a groundswell of public opinion could save the day.

West Somerset Council has been inundated with letters both for and against developer McCarthy and Stone's plans to demolish Beechfield House in The Parks and build a complex of 25 retirement apartments in its place.

To date, 116 letters of objection have been lodged against the proposal, as well as an 86-signature petition.

Opponents have raised highway safety concerns and fear the development will be out of keeping with other homes and have a negative impact on the neighbouring conservation area.

The 16 supporters have hailed the plans as "fabulous", in keeping with the area and a good use of the site.

A small number of other residents have also written with "neutral" views on the application.

Council planning officers have agreed with the supporters and have recommended the application for approval when it is considered by the authority's planning committee on Thursday (October 25).

But local hotelier Bryan Leaker, who owns the Parks Guest House opposite the proposed development site, is hoping to turn the recommendation on its head.

He is among those leading the fight to save the villa and is hoping planning committee members will be swayed by the strength of feeling against the plans.

He said previous applications for private building works at the site had been refused because of the impact on the conservation area, couple with road safety concerns.

He claimed the only thing which had changed was that the proposed development was much larger, meaning the builder would have to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds to the council in "planning gain" money to offset the impact of the work.

If permission is granted for the flats, McCarthy and Stone is offering to pay the district council £323,000 to cover affordable housing provision elsewhere as none will be provided on-site.

That compares to the £531,106 which would usually be expected with a development of that size.

But the developer is arguing that the project will be unviable if it is expected to pay the full amount as stipulated by council policy.

"It seems we have a situation where the council, is not taking any notice of the community within West Somerset," Mr Leaker said.

"The town council has voted against it as they did not think it was in keeping with the town, yet the district council's planning officers want the villa removed even though the overwhelming public opinion is that the development will completely compromise the character of this important Conservation Area.

"It's not even as though they are paying as much as they should be in planning gain money.

"If this is approved, councillors will be ignoring the wishes of local people and the architectural merit of Beechfield House," Mr Leaker said.

The application has already been the subject of a public exhibition in Minehead and has attracted objections from Minehead Town Council and Minehead Conservation Society.

A spokesman for McCarthy and Stone said: "It is important that people in later life are supported by their community.

"Our proposals for the site would help address a significant, and growing, local need in the area for suitable, private housing to meet the needs of local residents in later life, ensuring they have the opportunity to live in the community that they enjoy, close to family and friends.

"We have already received over 65 enquiries from people interested in purchasing one of the proposed 25 apartments despite no formal marketing having taken place.

"We are proud of our proposals which offer a sensitively designed building that reflects the character of Minehead.

"As a responsible developer we have carefully listened to feedback from the community, planning officers and stakeholders and the plans have continued to evolve throughout the planning process.

"I would like to encourage anyone who has any questions to contact our Freephone information line number on 0800 298 7040."

Officers will tell planning committee members the proposed flats will be built to resemble two, two-and-a-half storey homes, complete with their own communal facilities, gardens and 19 parking spaces.

But while the site is deemed to be within the setting of the Wellington Square Conservation Area, officers believe the design of the new flats respects the Arts and Crafts style of the existing building and the character of the area.

An officer's report to next week's committee meeting states: "The proposal, by reason of its design, scale and layout would be in keeping with its surroundings and would safeguard the amenities of neighbouring residents and adjoining land users.

"The setting of the conservation area would be preserved and the setting of adjoining listed buildings would not be harmed.

"The means of access and parking arrangements meet the required safety standards and will ensure the free flow of traffic on the highway.

"In the opinion of the local planning authority and, subject to conditions, the proposal is acceptable."