OBJECTORS to a controversial scheme for a new supermarket in Williton are drawing up a plan of action to fight the development.

The proposal put forward by local business J Gliddon and Sons to develop its current premises in Bank Street and land behind has been on the drawing board for the last two years.

But as reported last week, West Somerset Council's planning committee is now expected to finally make a decision on it by April following the submission of a number of minor changes and additional information.

And objectors have relaunched a campaign group originally set up after the planning application was first submitted in 2011.

The Love Williton Action Group met this week to discuss tactics and is staging another meeting at 7pm on Tuesday (February 26) in the Church Rooms in a bid to get more people on board to help the campaign.

A spokesman said: "Our original fears about the plans still remain.

"The development would lead to the loss of much valued amenities in the village and we also believe the highways plan is highly flawed.

"We want to appeal to people who are prepared to actively assist with opposing the scheme - even a few hours a week helping with a leaflet drop would be very valuable to the cause."

In the past, the group organised a petition, a public meeting and a protest march against the supermarket, which would be just under half the size of Minehead's Morrisons store and include a 175-space car park, a further 1,300 gross square metres of units, plus office accommodation, five flats and a pedestrian walkway to Fore Street.

The minor amendments include changes to the proposed mini-roundabout to a three-arm configuration rather than the original four-arm design.

But objectors fear the revised layout will increase traffic build-up because the roundabout will be closer to the existing roundabout at Egremont Corner.

The group is also questioning the predicted number of jobs the development would create - 150 - claiming jobs would be lost from existing businesses in the village and neighbouring villages if it went ahead.

And it is also concerned at the potential loss of Williton's Lloyds Bank, whose premises would disappear to provide a walkway from the supermarket to Fore Street.

Although letters of objection or support previously submitted still stand, campaigners are urging people to put pen to paper.

"If Williton is to survive the present risk to its survival, those who do not support this development and have not already written to the planners need to do so," said the spokesman.

"But it is important that the objections are based on valid planning grounds and not just emotive reasons as to why the application should be rejected."

Leaflets issued by the group will be available shortly in Williton Post Office and Davies News.

David Gliddon, who is behind the scheme, has described it as a "one-off opportunity for Williton".

He said the development would help existing businesses and strengthen the whole of the village centre to ensure it met the needs of existing and future residents.

"The long term future of Williton's shops depends on local people choosing to shop here," he said.

"At the moment too many of them prefer to travel to more distant, cheaper facilities with free parking, including out of town stores such as in Minehead.

"A new supermarket centrally located in Williton would give them an alternative."