FEARS have been raised over the future of “the green lung of Highbridge” after the possible construction of 130 houses was set out at a meeting.

Toni Hammick, an agent from Property Link, spoke on behalf of developer Coln Residential about aims to build houses, a play area and a fitness trail on land between Lakeside and Isleport in the town.

A planning application for the site, which is believed will contain affordable housing, is expected to be submitted to Sedgemoor District Council in coming weeks.

No formal planning application has been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council but if plans are drawn up and approved, a number of affordable homes are expected to be built.

The land is currently owned by five parties, including the district council, and the affordable homes which are understood to be included in any plan will have to be rented for five years before they are available to buy.

Councillor John Parkes, a member of the town’s planning committee, said: “The land in question historically is public open space designated as the ‘green lung of Highbridge’ and is there to support community use accessing an area of Lakelands and it’s surroundings. It has all manner of wildlife, yet we are now told it will be another housing development.”

He said a recent development of 36 houses has already been built at Lakeside and there are fears local infrastructure will struggle to cope with another 130 houses next door, as well as developments elsewhere.

Cllr Parkes added: “I am concerned Highbridge is being over-developed as more than 800 homes are being planned for other sites including Brue Farm. No mention was made regarding infrastructure to support this development. The A38 will be bursting at the seams with the Brue Farm housing development, Aldi, Travelodge and fast food outlets in Isleport and the additional caravan lodges to support the Hinkley Point workers at Edithmead.”

“What about the additional spaces needed at the GP surgery or at our local schools? And what about floodplain issues again?”

Mrs Hammond said the new development will not have an adverse impact on infrastructure as provision has already been made for homes in Highbridge in Sedgemoor District Council’s Local Plan.

“The site we would be building on is in an area that has been earmarked for development in Sedgemoor District Council’s Local Plan and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan,” she said. “As a result, infrastructure is being developed to meet the growing needs of future development.

“The area we are looking to build on is registered as a public space, I know it is controversial, but the area is currently overgrown, locked up and not used by the public and we want to utilise it.”

Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton also voiced concerns at the meeting.

He asked the developer if the size of the lake will be reduced if the development gets the go-ahead.

He added: “The lake was considerably bigger before development took place around ten years ago, I had to fight to stop them filling it in further, I had that in my mind when I asked that question.

“But the developer said the lake would not be touched - they gave us 100 per cent assurance.”

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said the council is unable to pass comment as it could prejudice proceedings.

A formal planning application for the site is expected be submitted in the next few weeks.