PLANS to build up to 3,000 homes across West Somerset over the next 17 years have been branded as ‘pointless’.

Concerns have been raised by town and parish councillors about whether the district has the infrastructure in place to support them.

West Somerset Council was meeting last night (Wednesday) and was expected to recommend publishing the latest draft of its Local Plan next month.

It includes plans for 2,900 homes by 2032. Land earmarked for possible development includes Hopcott Road in Minehead, Parsonage Farm in Watchet and land north and west of Williton.

However, concerns have been raised by town and parish councillors about whether West Somerset has enough facilities to support the growth.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Les Smith said: “Personally I think there is too much building proposed for Minehead and there is not enough infrastructure to support it.

“There aren’t enough schools, hospitals, roads or jobs to support the development.”

Planning permission for up to 71 homes has already controversially been granted at Hopcott Road.

Minehead town councillor Paul Grierson said: “We have to develop it really, as long as they are confident that building there won’t cause flooding for the residents at the bottom by the roundabout [near Alcombe Road].”

Watchet town councillor Sally De Renzy-Martin said Watchet is currently able to support some development but she is concerned about the lack of jobs locally.

She said: “The real issue for people living in rural areas is finding work and getting to work as local public transport keeps getting slashed.

“It’s pointless just building where there is space because you need jobs to support that, or at least ways for them to get to their job.”

Williton town councillor Rebecca James added: “I have no adverse feelings towards more houses being built, but what does concern me is that Williton doesn’t have many jobs to support these people and there is very little public transport for these people to get to jobs.”