WELLINGTON could lose out to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds if a proposed secure mental hospital development goes ahead at Chelston.

Objecting to the proposed secure mental hospital at Wespark26, adjacent to the Cades Farm housing development, house builder Persimmon Homes, one of three developers building homes, has told Taunton Deane planners it will review its plans for future development in Wellington – and, crucially, section 106 payments which are used to fund community projects.

The company warns it may look again at longer term developments on the east side of Wellington, such as Jurston Farm.

In a letter to Taunton Deane's planning officer Antony Pick, Mike Kerton, Persimmon Homes South West strategic land manager requests the council refuse planning permission for the proposed development.

Persimmon says the section 106 payments are based on land at WestPark26 being employment land, rather than being used for a secure residential institution.

And it warns the development could lead to an increased fear of crime locally.

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