NEARLY 500 people have already signed an online petition set up to show the strength of feelings against controversial plans to build 250 houses on farm fields outside Wellington.

Campaign group Protect Wellington hopes also to have paper copies available in many of the town’s shops.

It is fighting plans by Pegasus Group to develop 34 acres of agricultural land on the south side of Wellington’s A38 relief road.

The development would be the first time the boundary has been breached and campaigners fear a precedent would be set for housing outside Wellington all the way along the road as far as Chelston.

Somerset Council refused the Pegasus application in April, citing eight planning reasons, including the devastating impact it would have on the character of the countryside outside the town.

But, Pegasus has gone to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate asking it to overturn the council decision.

An appeal could be heard at a five-day public inquiry early next year, ahead of the May local elections.

Protect Wellington’s Michael Pollak, who started the petition, said: “I care deeply about our town, its surrounding countryside, and the quality of life for the people who live here.

“Please sign and share this petition to show the strength of local feeling and help Protect Wellington defend the town we all value.”

Mr Pollak said it was accepted Wellington needed new homes, including ‘affordable’ properties and social housing.

But, he said: “The group believe development should be in appropriate locations, make use of brownfield and previously developed land where possible, protect our countryside, and be matched by the infrastructure needed to support it.”

He said the group was also concerned about the additional pressure the Pegasus housing would put on facilities such as GPs and other medical services, schools, roads, drainage and sewage, as well as the landscape and wildlife impact.