7:30am Wednesday 12th December 2012
By Kirsty James
VILLAGERS in Puriton are being consulted on a proposal for a new housing development which some fear could increase existing traffic problems.
The consultation, held Monday (December 10), explained proposals by Taylor Wimpey for a development of “up to 67 units” on land north of Riverton Road.
The site was identified in the Sedgemoor Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as having potential for new homes.
Dan Angell, spokesman for Taylor Wimpey, told the Mercury: “While the assessment suggests the land can accommodate up to 67 units, the final plans may be for less than that.
“It’s vital we hear from local people in order to assess the lay of the land and any constraints.
“Consultation is important. We can’t shy away from it – we need local people’s opinions.”
But Puriton ward councillor Mark Healey said many villagers already feel there are serious traffic issues in the area and fear more housing will intensify the problem.
He said: “The area is just one of several parcels of land suggested by the assessment.
“Each of the houses will likely have two cars. That’s another 130-something traffic movements.
“It’s going to gridlock the whole of Bridgwater. The existing traffic issues need sorting first.”
A traffic specialist attended the consultation to gather information from residents, as well as consulting with Somerset County Council’s Highways team.
Dan Angell said: “A series of assessments will be carried out as a result of any application and within these will be a report of a full traffic report.
“The traffic specialist aims to understand the impact of any development on the local road network, which will be mitigated against.”
The developer has met with Puriton Parish Council to discuss the proposal, along with any community benefits.
Anyone who was unable to attend, but would like to know more, can email Dan Angell at Tristan Fitzgerald Associates at dan.angell@tfa-ltd.co.uk
Forms collected from the meeting should be returned by Friday, December 21.
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