AS if Taunton doesn't have enough traffic problems already - things could get a whole lot worse if a proposed £100million 713-home development on farmland is approved, it is claimed this week.

Opponents of the estate on fields north of Staplegrove fear it would destroy stunning views, stretch health and education services and cause flooding.

And that could be just the start, with details of another similar-sized scheme due shortly.

Ptarmigan Ltd has applied for outline permission for the homes, employment area, green infrastructure and play areas between Silk Mills and Whitmore Lane.

If approved, Ptarmigan would work on precise details before seeking full permission, with construction possibly starting late next year.

A similar sized application for land to the east up to Kingston Road is being submitted shortly by PM Asset Management.

Residents of Staplegrove Action Group highlights the lack of green space, the density and height of some buildings, blocking of beautiful views to the Quantock Hills and concerns about flooding and adverse effects on wildlife.

RoSAG's Jackie Calcroft said: "We've always been concerned about the lack of adequate infrastructure for this development and others.

"Everyone acknowledges Taunton needs some more new housing, but Somerset County and Taunton Deane Borough Councils have to invest in the infrastructure before they build more new homes.

"We're convinced Taunton residents and others who currently try to get across Taunton remain unaware of the problems being created by introducing thousands and thousands of additional vehicles onto existing highways which struggle to cope now.

"Medical services, including Musgrove Park Hospital, will all be over-stretched. Families will find their local schools full and children having to travel out of their catchment areas."

Mrs Calcroft is concerned about a proposed 'drop down road' onto Corkscrew Lane/Manor Road to access the homes before a spine road connecting Kingston Road to Staplegrove Road is built.

She added: "When the spine road is built the proposal is that it will come out onto Staplegrove Road at a new junction with traffic lights between Nuffield Hospital and Silk Mills roundabout, which will also have traffic lights - between Staplegrove Post Office and Silk Mills roundabout there will be four sets of lights."

Ptarmigan's development director Craig Neilson said the scheme "reflects what the council and wider population want", despite some local opposition.

"There's a real shortage of houses in Taunton," added Mr Neilson.

"We spent a long time considering responses following our consultations and progressed our design to take account of what people said.

"We're satisfied we've got a high quality development - our company has a track record of providing high quality schemes."

The completed development would include a primary school, shops, restaurants and cafes, a pub, community hall, place of worship and parking.

Inspect the application at the Deane House, Taunton, or the council's website, and comment by Thursday, March 17.