THE village of Mark will get 12 new affordable homes despite objections from a number of residents.

Planning permission was initially granted for the divisive site on land off Northwick Road in December, but the applicants, Mark Community Land Trust withdrew the application as a new board was appointed.

The application was resubmitted by South Western Housing Society but a petition against the site has 180 signatures and there have been 39 separate objections.

But a number of committee members welcomed the application, citing the urgent need for affordable housing in Sedgemoor.

Cllr Graham Granter said: "I think it is a very, very good application, and I wish we could have more like this in Bridgwater sometimes.

"It will give 12 families a chance and a roof over their heads and I wish the families that move in the best of luck," he said.

Cllr Alan Bradford added: "We have not built enough affordable housing in the last 20 years and now we are playing catch up."

The housing portfolio holder for Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Andrew Gilling showed his support too, addressing the meeting prior to the debate.

"The provision of affordable housing is of paramount importance," he said.

"There will always be objections but in this case these objections have been conducted in an unacceptable and intimidating manner by some individuals."

Mark Parish Council chairman Nick van der Bijl said the council was in support of the application, saying there was a need and highlighting that the development was within walking distance of affordable housing.

Cllr van der Bijl siad: "I would ask the committee to bear in mind that often where there is a vocal opposition there is a silent majority."

However Cllr Polly Costello from Mark Parish Council strongly objected to the plans, saying residents felt they were being ignored and 'steamrollered over'.

"There have already been accidents at the junction with Vole Road, and when more accidents occur this committee will be asked why it was passed having been warned by residents," she said.

Resident Angela Parsons said: "I strongly object to this development, as do 180 residents. We believe passing this application would be in contradiction of Sedgemoor District Council's own policies on development."

The committee voted unanimously in favour of granting permission for the application.