A PETITION signed by more than 100 people against plans to build new homes next to a busy Brent Knoll junction has been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council.

Coln Development's plans for 18 open market houses on Brent Street and a new traffic light system at the A38 junction near the Fox and Goose pub, have received the backing of the parish council but sparked outrage among residents.

Residents have submitted more than 70 detailed objection letters to planners at Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) as well as a petition in a bid to halt the plans which they say could be 'detrimental' to the village.

David Sturgess, a resident who has lived in Brent Knoll for more than two decades, said he is concerned the proposed development would affect the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area.

“This is the third time that Coln has submitted a development plan for this hugely sensitive site, which is outside the development zone for our village”, Mr Sturgess said.

“Coln’s application is on what is called a P4 basis – designed for developments on sites outside the development zone, which should be community-led or supported. This scheme has overwhelming community opposition.

“This scheme was not community led, and is community opposed.

"We all recognise the value of delivering affordable homes for our young people and key workers like teachers, nurses, policemen, and fire-fighters.

"There are other sites in the village where those affordable homes could be provided, without all the dangers threatened by this scheme."

The developer, Coln Developments, has made three amendments to the application since it was submitted on February 8, and there have been a number of objections from other groups including the Axe-Brue Drainage Board, the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium, and the National Trust.

Mr Sturgess said he hopes SDC refuses permission for the plans as he says the site is prone to flooding and safe access for pedestrians is limited along the street.

"For the third time, Coln has come back with another attempt to get this application approved – and, for the third time, the community of Brent Knoll has voiced its opposition," Mr Sturgess said.

"The ball is now in the court of the Sedgemoor planning process to decide whether to listen to the views of the community, or ignore them."

The public consultation on the plans is now closed and the application is being considered by planners at SDC.