TAUNTON-based builder Summerfield Homes has acquired a controversial development site in Watchet - the single largest purchase it has made - and will start work on the first of 250 homes early next year, it was announced this week.

The site, at Liddymore Farm, Watchet, was given planning approval in June despite objections from local people that the extra traffic would increase the risk of accidents on the narrow approach roads.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) planning committee member Cllr Loretta Whetlor told the meeting: “It will be a nightmare for the people who live there.”

Ed Khodabandehloo, a director of Summerfield Homes, said the acquisition of the plot represented the largest purchase the business has made and showed the company’s commitment to investing long term in housing in West Somerset.

He added: “We are delighted to be back investing and building in Watchet, a town that is becoming increasingly popular.

“We’re already gathering interest and very much look forward to welcoming purchasers to the site’s marketing suite which we anticipate will be open in autumn 2022.”

The Liddymore Farm development will offer a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. Summerfield will also construct a new car park and gates for the nearby Knights Templar community church school and nursery as part of a planning agreement.