A TRAFFIC nightmare could await Watchet children after plans for new homes near their school were approved, protesters against the scheme claimed last week.

After Summerfield Developments put forward plans to build 250 homes on the Liddymore Farm site in Watchet, a short distance from Knights Templar First School, residents and local councillors urged Somerset West and Taunton Council to refuse permission, arguing it would create ‘chaos’ on the local roads at pick-up and drop-off times.

But in spite of these concerns, the council’s planning committee voted to approve the homes by a large margin last Thursday (June 10).

Outline permission for the site was granted by West Somerset Council in January 2018, just over a year before the council merged with Taunton Deane to form the current authority.

Rosemary Woods, who represented Watchet on the council between 2015 and 2019, told the committee: “At the school’s opening and closing time, chaos ensues in Liddymore Road, with children and vehicles competing for space. This will get worse with this development.

“Why have a Local Plan if you do everything piecemeal? If this is going ahead, you can re-name your committee the building committee.

“This land would be ideal for sheltered housing, tying in with existing facilities at Ingrams Meadow and Maglands Road. More joined up thinking is required. The developer is taking paradise and putting up a parking lot.”

Read the full story by Daniel Mumby, Local Democracy Reporter, in tomorrow’s Free Press