ONE of the most controversial housing developments in the modern history of Milverton is again to be discussed by parish councillors on Monday (April 13).

Developers Notaro New Homes Ltd possesses a planning permission to build 80 homes on land off Creedwell Orchard which is older than many of the villagers.

It was granted to a prior owner of the land 46 years ago in August, 1979, with Notaro later acquiring the site and then in the mid-2000s obtaining a legal acceptance from the former Taunton Deane Borough Council that the permission had not expired because some work had been started in July, 1981.

However, no houses have yet been built on the land.

Now, Notaro New Homes has applied for a change to the conditions attached to the current approval, to make what it said were ‘minor’ variations in the design of the first 14 houses which it will build.

It also wants to be allowed to add solar panels to the roofs of the homes and provide ground mounted air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, as well as to make the garages larger to meet modern vehicle sizes.

Planning agent Russell Williams, of Williams Planning Ltd, North Petherton, said the principle of developing the land had long been established and planning officers had already accepted the proposed changes were ‘minor’.

Mr Williams said: “The development will not give rise to any significant transportation, highway safety, or access reasons that should prevent the local planning authority from approving the planning application on highway safety grounds.

“Overall, the amendments are considered to represent an enhancement to the character and appearance of the development.”

Mr Williams said separately, the company would be presenting a construction management plan to the parish council to ensure future operations minimised the impact on Milverton residents, local roads, and the environment.