PLANS to build 40 homes on a greenfield site on the edge of Uffculme have caused a storm of protest from villagers.

Allison Homes South West Ltd wants to develop a 6.8-acre agricultural field outside the village’s development boundary, close to Uffculme School.

The company originally wanted to build 64 homes on the field off Chapel Hill but Mid Devon planners expressed concerns it would be over-development for the village.

Planning consultant Martin Bagshaw, of MHB Planning Ltd, said there would be a mix of one, two, three, four, and five-bedroom properties, including some bungalows, and 12 of the dwellings would be ‘affordable homes’.

Mr Bagshaw said: “We are seeking to capture the character of the existing site and, through a careful and considered design process, create an attractive quality development commensurate with its location at the northern edge of Uffculme.”

He said the same design team would be used which previously worked on two developments along Uffculme Road on the western edge of the village.

“The knowledge and experience gained during the preparation of these two applications have given a sound insight into the character of Uffculme,” said Mr Bagshaw.

He said the site layout would have a network of connected green spaces and would link to the site to the east and west through active travel proposals, green infrastructure, and ecological highways.

A central area would be a community activity-based space, and a southern green spine would form a green active travel link with the wider community.

But dozens of residents have been quick to lodge objections with the district council planners, citing concerns such as the last of facilities in the village to cope with new development, congestion on the roads, in particular during the ‘school run’ times, and the impact on Uffculme’s rural setting.

At the time of going to press the council had received 46 letters of objection and one which it considered to be neutral about the proposals.