AN action group fighting plans for a massive housing development on the south side of Wellington are stepping up their campaign.

Save Wellington members are opposed to the building of 650 homes by C. G. Fry and Son on the Jurston Farm site.

Last month they staged a public meeting (pictured) at Wellesley Park Primary School which was attended by about 100 people.

The group is now planning a day of action to collect signatures on its protest petition, which has already been signed by more than 700 people. 

Members are also planning a protest march through Wellington town centre and a lobby of next month’s full meeting of Taunton Deane Council.

A spokesman for Save Wellington said: “The overwhelming support we received at the public meeting has galvanised our efforts.

“We have the majority of people in this town on our side against another unwanted development – coming so soon after those already under way at Cades and Longforth Farm.

“Like so many have told us: Enough is enough...we should keep on fighting.”

Save Wellington claim the town will not cope with the three developments – totalling 1,800 homes – bringing more traffic to an already-clogged town centre and without any improvements to essential services such as schools and health facilities.

The spokesman added: “We’re meeting this week to finalise our plans for the day of action and the march.

“We understand that the size of our petition means we will be able to force a special debate at the Deane Council meeting on December 9 and so we’ll be out in force then too.

“We are fully aware that Frys have not even submitted an application for outline planning permission yet so our campaign is very much a marathon not a sprint.

“Too many people think the Jurston development is a foregone conclusion – it isn’t and we will fight it every inch of the way.”