PLANS to build two bungalows on land close to The Basins in Wellington have been opposed by local residents and councillors.

Although a formal planning application has yet to be submitted to Somerset Council, members of Wellington Town Council were told on Monday, July 7, that land owner Jim Hill is looking at building two homes on the site behind Riverside.

Simon Collier, of Collier Planning, acting on behalf of Mr Hill, told councillors that it would be a “modest” development and a parcel of land south of Corams Lane would be transferred to Wellington Town Council for community use.

Mr Collier also mentioned that the site had had a history of planning applications which had been approved but not implemented, including one scheme to build ten flats and garaging.

Cllr John Thorne was quick to comment on the plans saying: “Any development of this plot of land at the end of Corams Lane would not be welcomed.

“Admittedly, two bungalows rather than ten flats is a lot better but there is always a concern that developers start off with a small number and then bump up the numbers as they go through the planning process.

“Somerset Council is looking to build 57,000 new homes, so two bungalows that would take the number down to 56,998. So I don’t think this proposed development really fits the bill for what Somerset Council is looking for.”

A number of residents who live in Riverside spoke at the council meeting and told councillors that there were opposed to any housing scheme.

One person said: “To lose this land to brick and mortar would be a travesty.”

Mr Collier said that it was expected an outline planning application would be submitted over the next few weeks.