MP Gideon Amos is inviting Wellington residents to attend a public meeting to discuss the Government’s latest planning reforms.

The free event asks the question ‘Why so many houses?’ and will include a panel of experts to take a look at what the reforms mean for housing in the Taunton and Wellington area.

Hosted by Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats, it takes place at CICCIC, Memorial Hall, in Paul Street, Taunton, on Friday, July 17.

A spokesperson said: “This meeting is to provide residents with the opportunity to raise the questions which most concern them about the recent changes and on how decisions are made on housing and planning in Taunton and Wellington.”

The panel of four experts comprises Mr Amos, who is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on housing and communities, Magna Housing chief executive Selina White, Somerset executive Cllr Mike Rigby, and Westward Housing chief executive Stephen Lodge.

The 7 pm meeting will be chaired by Somerset executive Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, with a short presentation by Phil Stone, chairman of the Lib Dem local campaign team.

Mr Amos, said: “There is no shying away from the fact that local communities are facing a planning system which is increasingly developer-led as the Government seeks to hit its 1.5 million homes target.

“This meeting is a chance to unpack what the changes mean for the future of our area.”

Admission to the meeting is free of charge, and bookings can be made through a Lib Dem website.

Questions to be asked on evening can be submitted by emailing [email protected] before July 10.