OBJECTIONS have been mounting almost daily against a controversial new housing estate proposed to be built in fields on the south side of Wellington Relief Road.

Pegasus Group submitted a planning application in the run up to Christmas for 250 homes in the open countryside near Middle Green Farm.

The firm said any harm to the countryside beneath Wellington Monument was outweighed by the benefit of providing new homes at a time of a national housing shortage crisis.

But residents’ protest group Protect Wellington has formally objected to the application and called on others to write to Somerset Council registering their individual opposition.

Among those so far who have sent written objections is Gillian Searle, who described the plans as ‘utter madness’.

Ms Searle, who lives opposite the proposed housing site, said: “The by-pass road is so dangerous to cross, especially at school starting times.

“Children would need to run across the road between vehicles to cross to get to school.

“It would only be a matter of time until a child is injured or killed.”

Mark Deakin said: “Again, profit over community needs seem to be driving this decision.

“I struggle to understand why we are digging up a green field site when there is a large brownfield site - Tonedale Mill - that has lain dormant for many years, noting this site is close to the proposed railway station.”

Nicola Shakeshaft said: “The removal of yet more of our green areas is unacceptable, there are more less-environmentally damaging areas that could be used for building available.

“This is classed as ‘Wellington Without’, but the proposal makes clear the builders are reliant on the public services provided by Wellington, which are already at or beyond their safe capacity.”

Town councillors will discuss the plans when they meet on Monday evening (January 5).