CLEVEDON Town Council has lodged its objection over a planning application to build 123 homes on the Clevedon Hall Estate.

CLEVEDON Town Council has lodged its objection over a planning application to build 123 homes on the Clevedon Hall Estate.

More than 30 members of the public packed into a Clevedon Town Council meeting to voice their objections over the controversial application for the site in Elton Road.

Many residents are up in arms over the proposal to turn the 18.8-acre location, which was formerly St Brandon's School, into 123 houses, ranging from apartments to larger detached properties and a 50-bed nursing home.

Speaking at the meeting, Roger Thackery, of Pyne Point, said: "This is a very important issue for the future of Clevedon and it will have a major impact on the seafront.

"The development proposed would completely ruin the site of Clevedon Hall.

"It's a Grade II-listed building, an area of importance and heritage and the site is also a habitat for a number of protected species.

"It's a very important site for Clevedon and North Somerset and could be a major asset to the area if it's properly managed. We've got a real opportunity here, but once this piece of land is built on, it's gone forever.

"If it's developed it deserves something that would be a benefit and a credit to the town."

Concerns were also raised about the height of some of the buildings, access to the site and traffic and car parking problems.

Councillor Carole Wring said: "We need to send an unequivocal no to North Somerset Council. This is such an important site for Clevedon and the plans have had objections from all the major consulting bodies including English Heritage, The Victorian Society, Garden History Society and some North Somerset Council officers."

The town council's environment and planning committee recommended the council refuse the planning application because it would have a detrimental impact on the listed building, the seafront, landscape and due to ecological concerns.

The town council agreed to accept the recommendation, but a final decision is not due to be made by North Somerset Council until early next year.