PROPOSED changes to a controversial planning approval for a housing development in Milverton have been withdrawn.

Notaro New Homes Ltd wanted to alter conditions attached to the permission to build 80 homes in the village which was granted nearly half a century ago, although none of the properties have yet been built.

The company’s planning agent Russell Williams put forward ‘minor variations’ for the design of the first 14 houses which would be built, with the principle of the development having long been established.

Notaro also wanted to add solar panels on the roofs and ground mounted air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, and to make the garages larger to meet modern vehicle sizes.

But, the proposals were opposed by Milverton parish councillors and the Milverton and Fitzhead Society (MFS), while nearly 30 villagers also wrote to the planning officers.

Now, Mr Williams has withdrawn the application on behalf of Notaro.

More than 70 people attended the annual parish meeting held in mid-May where the plans were discussed.

They also packed a monthly meeting of the parish council and heard chairman Cllr Rod Burton explain how councillors had over the past four to five years tried to work with the company to secure the best possible outcome for the village rather than simply object to the plans.

Cllr Burton said he believed drainage issues with the site off Creedwell Orchard could be resolved, but as yet the company had not proposed anything.

Residents were told Notaro would provide a construction management plan showing how the movement of lorries would be mitigated to minimise the effect on the village.

MFS chairman David Hatfield said the society was not opposed to all development on the site, but saw nothing of value in a plan which essentially remained unchanged since it was first put forward 47 years ago.