PLANS for a large controversial housing development near West Huntspill have been presented to the district council. Charlcombe Estates

PLANS for a large controversial housing development near West Huntspill have been presented to the district council. Charlcombe Estates, a Bath based company, have submitted outline planning permission to build 22 houses on an area of archaeological interest in Alstone Lane. If planning consent is granted, the company will spend around £100,000 on an archaeological dig. But residents and councillors are concerned that the area's facilities will not be able to cope with more housing. Councillor Kay Bennett said: "What we don't need is another big development. Similar projects have been turned down in the past and I am sure this will be strongly opposed. We only have a small school. There seems to be a big push for housing but it will be for people who work away in Bristol and Taunton who will not bring anything to the village's economy." The outline planning application is available to view at www.sedgemoor.gov.uk but as the Weston & Somerset Mercury went to press, planning documents were not available. Anyone wishing to make a comment on the application can do so until July 31. Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision by early August. If outline planning permission is granted, Charlcombe will then carry out the archaeological investigation before applying for full planning permission.