PUBLIC opposition to a proposed 230-home new housing estate in Watchet is continuing despite tweaks to the planning application for the site.

The Wyndham Estate wants to see homes built at Parsonage Farm, Brendon Road, with some new commercial space being provided by converting the existing buildings.

The site is next to land which was used for the annual Watchet Music Festival, which has not been held since the plans were first announced in 2023.

A local residents group has been fighting the proposals for the past two years supported by Watchet’s Somerset Cllr Rosemary Woods, who was not impressed by slight amendments made to the plans following feedback from public consultation.

Cllr Woods said she continued to strongly object to a development which was ‘not sustainable for the town’ in light of other planned estates.

She said: “With the closure of Cleeve Hill, the road into Watchet from Washford Cross is under particular pressure, and this is where the access to the site will come.

“The facilities in Watchet are under pressure, including the local doctors, owing to the planning applications that are already in place.

“The road from Five Bells to Washford Cross already has the side of the road falling away, therefore, all the extra traffic generated by this site could block the road.

“The idea of some of the plot being provided for generating jobs is a good idea, but this does not cover the number of properties being proposed.”

Planning agents LHC Design said: “The site is a sustainable location for accessing Watchet, providing opportunities for future residents to walk and cycle to the amenities and facilities in the town, as well as using public transport to local destinations.

“The design has been developed to ensure the proposals positively respond to its context.”

Somerset Council is expected to determine the application by next spring.