Why are Watchet and Williton being swamped with new housing developments when:

1) National and region transport access is so poor because of the conditions of the A39 and A358 roads to Bridgwater and Taunton respectively.

2) There are few job opportunities in the local area, particularly following the closure of the papermill, and many more car journeys are likely to be generated.

3) The proposed new developments are far in excess of identified local housing needs.

4) Good agricultural land is being taken at a time when both climate change and a need to be more independent as a nation are becoming crucially important.

5) Tourism is a key objective to revitalise the area, and yet the centres of both Watchet and Williton already do not work well for either pedestrians or vehicles.

6) The separation of developments for planning application means that, whilst the impacts of each individually may be relatively small, when taken together the effects will have a huge negative impact on the area unless there is a clear and effective vision for the future. That no such vision exists is a gross failure of West Somerset Council.

7) The full long-term implications of the combined accepted and proposed developments have not been properly considered or spelt out to local residents and shopkeepers.

For residents these are likely to include the curtailment of roadside parking on through roads in Watchet and Williton and increasing pressure on medical and educational services.

Inadequate parking and conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians will increasingly reduce the visitor experience.

A practical and achievable vision for the long-term development of Watchet and Williton is needed and, until one is developed, no more of the piecemeal land use development must be allowed.

The current proposed revision of the development plan should be rejected.

Mike McDonald, Five Bells.