CAMPAIGNERS opposing 600 new homes on Taunton’s Vivary Green Wedge have received a double boost.

After the new Government promised local authorities more say on development, Taunton Deane Council’s new ruling group pledged to “stall” the core strategy outlining 18,000 new homes in the town.

Protestors against Summerfield Developments’ proposals - likely to be submitted next month - off Killams and Mountfields met last Wednesday.

The Save the Green Wedge campaign has a £50,000-plus was chest and 1,000 people are expected on a protest march to Taunton Deane Council’s scrutiny committee meeting at the Blackbrook Pavilion on Wednesday.

Local Dave Berry said: “Our planning experts confirm there’ll be up to 4,000 additional traffic movements onto South Road – it already backs up for miles each morning and causes major safety issues.”

The Conservative leader of Taunton Deane Council, Cllr John Williams, said the Tories nationally plan to scrap Labour’s Regional Spatial Strategy up to 2026.

He added: “We expect to reduce the number of homes to 14,000 - 18,000 would see Taunton bursting at the seams.

“We’re going to stall the process until the Government’s policy is published.

“We’re reviewing how sites like the Vivary Green Wedge go forward.

“As an executive, we’re very aware of the huge public outcry, which we ignore at our peril.”

Cllr Mark Edwards, council planning portfolio holder, said 18,000 homes was unrealistic and unacceptable.

He added: “It’s vital that housing growth is driven by employment, that we have the jobs and businesses that will attract people.

“It’s not enough just to provide the housing.”