FUTURE development sites in three key areas of West Somerset have been earmarked to provide hundreds of new homes in the district over the next 20 years.

Recent research commissioned by West Somerset Council had indicated that following the collapse in the global, national and local housing market, the number of new homes needed over the next two decades could be just under 2,400.

But the authority's local development panel considering the emerging West Somerset Plan to 2032 was told at a recent meeting that 2,900 was the provisional preferred figure.

The majority - around 39 per cent - would be provided in Minehead, with 14 per cent in Watchet, 20 per cent in Williton and 27 per cent elsewhere in the district.

And councillors have agreed a number of potential key strategic sites, which could deliver around half the total homes needed and which will now be published for public consultation.

In Minehead, land south of the A39 between Lower Hopcott and the fire station to the east has been allocated.

Two sites in Watchet have been identified - the Parsonage Farm complex and land north-east and east of Parsonage Farm.

Meanwhile, three areas in Williton have been singled out - land north of Danesfield Middle School between Gasworks Lane and Liddymore Lane, land east of Watery Lane and Liddymore Lane and land west of Mamsey Lane between the A39 and the eastern end of Outmoor Wood.

Critically, land to the east of Williton beyond Catwell, which some years ago was controversially earmarked for around 200 homes and employment units, has not been allocated as a possible key strategic site.

The area is considered to be severely constrained by its status as a zone three flood risk and difficulties with vehicular access.

The key sites identified could deliver 754 homes in Minehead, 290 in Watchet and 406 in Williton.

The percentage of new homes to be built in Watchet and Williton has been increased from previous figures because of the limitations in development in Minehead.

But each key site would be expected to be capable of accommodating at least 250 homes and two hectares of employment land or other associated uses.

Two "longer term" strategic sites have also been identified - in Minehead, land south of the A39 between Periton Combe in the west and Lower Hopcott in the east, and in Watchet, land south of the B3191 (Cleeve Hill) between Daw's Castle in the west and south and west of Saxon Close in the east.

The sites will go out to public consultation after being considered by the full council.