At a meeting of Watchet Town Council’s environment and planning committee last Thursday to discuss the proposed development on the old paper mill site, many in the audience were known for positively supporting Watchet.

The case for developers Tameer was put by Timms Consulting Ltd, and committee chairman Dave Westcott put 31 questions and four letters from Watchet residents to them and a member of Somerset West and Taunton Council.

They asked who the developers were and where their funding came from, and whether they had allowed for social housing or considered the effect of their proposals on the town’s weak infrastructure such as roads and utilities - electricity, gas, sewage, water and broadband.

They also asked whether due regard had been given to to the impact on education, health and social care facilities.

The answers showed no awareness of social needs. The speakers were evasive, avoiding each question by saying they would look at these matters or that they had asked the council for guidance. The possibility of refusing the application was not discussed. Why not?

The paper mill area is our most important land development site. It is at the centre of the town. What happens there will affect us all dramatically.

Nothing that Tameer said indicated any awareness that we are a tourist destination, that our roads are small and windy, our doctors overworked and our schools full.

The only part of the Tameer proposals I can support is that the Onion Collective use the site with Biohm.

Why couldn’t our councillors tell Tameer: “We don’t support your application. Come back when you have thought through the consequences on this tourist town which people love to visit, where people love to live. Show some respect and offer us something of value.”

Sam Westmacott, Watchet.