A SMALL Somerset cricket club could end up entirely surrounded by houses under revised plans for a new development of 130 homes.

Trull Cricket Club lies on the southern side of Dipford Road just outside the main village, a stone’s throw from the Orchard Grove housing development being constructed on the western edge of Taunton.

Trull LVA LLP published initial proposals in October 2024 for a new housing development which, combined with the latter stages of Orchard Grove, would see the club enclosed by housing on three sides.

Following feedback from local residents, the land promoter has now submitted revised proposals, with Somerset Council expected to make a decision on whether to grant permission within the next six months.

The new homes will be accessible from Dipford Road via a new junction to the west of the cricket club, with the bulk of the new homes being concentrated in the central and eastern part of the site.

The western edge of the new development will provide a green buffer between the homes and the neighbouring countryside, and will include a children’s play area, orchard and attenuation ponds to reduce localised flood risk.

Of the 130 homes planned for the site, 33 will be affordable, in line with Somerset Council’s existing planning requirements for the former Taunton Deane area.

Existing public rights of way running through the site will be upgraded, along with a link from the easternmost homes planned within Orchard Grove, not far from the new roundabout planned on Honiton Road.

The development is expected to contribute more than £812,000 towards local infrastructure projects, on top of nearly £367,000 for improvements to nearby schools and £117,000 for public open space and leisure facilities, according to the initial consultation documents.

George Sherwin, who lives on Honiton Road, said he was concerned that too many homes were being built too quickly for both Taunton and Trull’s amenities to cope.

He said: “The impact of new houses in Taunton is already being felt, as children in Trull are finding they are being squeezed out of local secondary schools.

“There needs to be time to see the impact of housing already planned on the roads, schools, drainage and medical facilities.”

Mr C. Harris, who lives in the neighbouring hamlet of Poundisford (just over the M5), shared these concerns and added: “Dipford Road is extremely narrow, with poor access already. The Honiton Road junction onto Dipford Road is narrow with poor visibility.

“The local village school is over-subscribed as it is. There is no room for classroom expansion even if external funding was granted.

“There is also the issue that College Way Surgery is also not taking on any more patients at this current time.

“I feel it’s unnecessary and taking more green fields, which will spoil the look of the village and will join us even more with the Comeytrowe estate.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the Dipford Road proposals by Christmas.