A SCHEME that would mark the first building blocks on a greenfield site on the outskirts of Minehead is set to remain on the drawing board for the near future. West Somerset Council's planning committee had been recommended to approve outline plans from the Williams Partnership to develop agricultural land off Hopcott Road. But councillors voted to defer the application, calling for more information as the site is just one part of a strategic and much larger parcel of land earmarked to deliver a total of 750 homes in West Somerset's emerging local plan - a blueprint for almost the next two decades. Planning officer Elizabeth Peeks told last Thursday's committee meeting that as the application was for outline permission the number of houses - up to 71 detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and flats - was not set in stone and could change, along with plans for cycleways, pedestrian crossings, parking and other details. Councillors were warned that the only part of the application they were actually being asked to determine was the access to the proposed development. Mrs Peeks said one of the issues of concern raised was that the proposal was premature and should form part of a masterplan for the wider site. But she said as West Somerset's local plan was not at an advanced stage this would not carry much weight. And as the council was not in a position to demonstrate a five-year land supply, the application had to be considered in the context of presumption in favour of sustainable development. Three conditions had been suggested by planners to overcome concerns about the implications for the wider landholding. These were aimed at ensuring a cohesive approach to the design and layout and land uses, including roads, footpaths and cycleways, open spaces and community facilities. But councillors voted overwhelmingly to defer determination of the scheme, wanting more discussions on the relevant conditions and the proportion of affordable housing. The proposal sparked controversy, attracting a total of 84 letters, the vast majority opposed to it. Local residents who spoke at the meeting raised concerns about the increased risk of flooding, the number of affordable homes - 25 - and the impact of the development on the surrounding area and Minehead's designation as the gateway to Exmoor. John Symes said the key site should not be developed in a piecemeal fashion and described the scheme submitted as overbearing and out of keeping with the area. He also criticised the proposed access, which he said could become an accident blackspot and could jeopardise future development. Timothy Marsh described the proposal as ill conceived and poorly thought out, while local ward councillor Richard Lillis, speaking on behalf of resident Chris Durham, said it should not be considered in isolation. Cllr Lillis told the committee he was also totally against the scheme, claiming the existing drainage system was not substantial enough to cope with the demand of the new homes. But a spokesman for the Williams Partnership said it had been working with the planning authority for over a year on the scheme. He said the site had already been earmarked for development and there should be a presumption in favour of a sustainable scheme. The housing was clearly needed and the proposal would not prejudice any development of the wider area. But Cllr Doug Ross questioned the sustainability of the scheme and said he found it difficult to accept a policy that effectively said a council had to allow development such as this simply because its local plan was not completed. "I can't believe that the law says we should forget our responsibilities because our local plan is not ready. "I can't accept that this is sustainable when there are so many questions hanging over it. "We have so few strategic sites in Minehead and this is so important - every bit of it is strategic." Cllr Ian Melhuish said the access was critical to the wider development of the land. And Cllr Karen Mills said she supported the suggestion to defer the scheme. "We are very aware that this is an area that will be developed but the applicant needs to understand that this is a prime location and needs to work harder on a number of issues."