PEOPLE turned up in force to show their massive opposition to controversial plans for a new housing development on the outskirts of Wellington.

LVA – a land investor and planning project management company - has written to local residents to ask for their views on a scheme to build 250 homes on a site beneath Wellington Monument.

There was standing room only at the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street for Wellington Town Council’s monthly meeting on Monday (March 3) where the Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, had allowed for there to be a discussion about the proposed development as an “urgent item.”

Any observing “spy in the camp” from LVA at the meeting would have gone away under no illusion – there was no support from people for the development.

Nearly 100 people crammed into the hall, while others were denied access because the venue was bursting at the seams with concerned residents.

Cllr John Thorne said: “This is the largest attendance I’ve seen at a town council meeting – democracy is alive and well.”

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Town clerk Dave Farrow explained to people that as the issue was not on the official agenda, councillors were unable to make a formal decision on anything, but the discussion helped to get “the ball rolling” and would be talked about again at the council’s policy and finance committee meeting on Monday (March 10).

And when Mr Farrow asked for people to put up their hand if they were in support of the development, not a single hand was raised.

“You (the public) can take it as read that the council can see that people are in opposition to this,” he quipped. “You are all here because you are opposed to these plans.”

People spoke about their concerns about the lack of infrastructure in Wellington to support continued housing developments, the potential increased risk of flooding and concerns about more cars coming out on to the already busy A38.

The potential housing scheme is not new. Pegasus Group Ltd first talked about a potential development there in May 2023 following talks with the former Somerset West and Taunton Council, but was met with fierce local opposition.

Now LVA has taken up the challenge by refreshing the development plans on land to the south of Wellington Relief Road on 34 acres of fields around Middle Green Farm off Oldway Road.

Councillors spoke in support of the residents’ opposition to the plans especially as it goes against Wellington’s traditional development boundary.

It is expected that if the developers go in search of planning approval – it will have to be discussed by a Somerset Council committee at a future date.

Town councillors suggested that people should contact their local Somerset Council representatives and press their opposition campaign.

“If everyone gets on board maybe the voice of the people might be able to speak,” said Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky.

Members of the public were reminded that the actual proposed development site lies within the Wellington Without Parish Council boundary.