I ATTENDED the meeting at Castle School called by Taunton Deane Council to decide whether or not to pass the application to build 2,000 homes as an extension of Comeytrowe.

The meeting was packed with concerned members of the public.

I listened to the speakers firstly Council Planning Committee members, then members of the public. 

Many matters of concern were mentioned, among them were the lack of secondary school provision and potential flooding problems. 

I noted that two access routes were proposed – one onto the Trull/Honiton road, and one onto the A38 Taunton to Wellington road near Rumwell.

As a member and past vice chairman of Roadpeace, a national organisation formed to support road traffic victims and to promote road safety, I was horrified! 

In particular, this location on the A38 is not fit for the purpose, the road is two lane only.

Traffic already comes to a standstill at commuting times and indeed further along are large notices proclaiming the road to be a “collision site”. 

In my Roadpeace role I became very much aware of the dangers of this stretch of road. 

The council are proposing to have one of the main exits from the new development to add to the horrendous traffic numbers. 

I have been in cars trying to emerge from West Buckland onto the A38 and witnessed the frustration of drivers.

A quick glance at the internet showed me at least 10 serious collisions in the past two years on this stretch of road, and this stretch is one of the proposed exits for the new addition to Comeytrowe! 

I just could not believe this!

I did not hear any members of the public who supported the application and yet the motion was passed in blatant defiance of the public’s wishes.

And I thought members of the council were there to represent the public!

RITA TAYLOR
Barton Close
Taunton