JOINT council talks have been called for by parish councillors in Nynehead to consider proposals for 320 new homes in the north of Wellington.

West of England Developments Ltd (WoED) has submitted a planning application for the development off Wardleworth Way to link to the north side of the town’s planned new railway station.

The company previously won planning permission for up to 200 homes to be built on the south side of the station site before selling the land to Bloor Homes to develop.

Now, it is seeking consent for an estate on the north side of the railway line with access via Milverton Road and Wardleworth Way.

Nynehead Parish Council, which borders the area, welcomed a northern pedestrian and cycle access to the station but raised concerns that the scheme should also include car parking.

Councillors said it would alleviate some of their concerns about the current outline approval for parking arrangements on the south side of the railway line.

Parish clerk Vicky Hebditch said: “On a broader scale, we recall that during the early days of the Longforth housing planning, there was talk of a new bridge over the railway so that traffic from Milverton and beyond could be diverted around the north of Wellington instead of using the town centre.

“We suggest there should be a reserved route through the Wardleworth development to facilitate an eventual north-east by-pass.

“We feel the proposed Wardleworth Way scheme needs to be considered alongside other applications for developments in the general area to the south of Nynehead, amounting to almost 1,000 homes in all, as well as commercial outlets, and, of course, the railway halt itself.

“While there is clearly a demand for housing in our region, and access to more options for shopping and travel facilities may be welcome, there is also some concern that the rural character of the area may be impacted adversely, as well as putting pressure on narrow lanes, schools, and other amenities.

“In particular, provision of additional health care facilities should be considered, bearing in mind that the Wellington Medical Centre already covers a very wide catchment area.”

Mrs Hebditch said Nynehead would also welcome an opportunity discuss the issues further with planning officers and perhaps involve Wellington Town Council and neighbouring parish councils.

Wellington councillors have already objected to the planning application, partly on the grounds that a northern relief road was needed through the existing Longforth Farm housing estate and the proposed Wardleworth developent.

Such a road would require a bridge to be built across the railway line, which was once an aspiration of local planners before the Longforth housing was bult.

But WoED planning agent CarneySweeney has described the ‘concept’ of a relief road as ‘outdated or old hat’.

CarneySweeney said: “A vehicular bridge over the railway would cost £millions and would clearly make the development unviable.

“Instead, the development focusses on active travel and pedestrian and cycle connectivity improvements to the proposed new railway station and town centre.”