A CAMPAIGN group protesting against plans for a massive housing development in Wellington, has reaffirmed its opposition to the proposals ahead of a Taunton Deane Council planning meeting tonight (Thursday).

An outline planning application for the building of 650 homes on the Jurston Farm site, is to be considered at the meeting – and action group Save Wellington maintains ‘there are so many reasons’ why the development should not go ahead.

A group spokesman said: “We have been campaigning against this development since it was first announced last year and there is a rising tide of opposition.

“Our programme of activities – including public meetings, days of action and a protest march – have met with an overwhelming ‘no’ to this scheme from the people of Wellington, with many hundreds signing our protest petition.

“We need Taunton Deane Council to take its residents’ views into account – after approval for the huge developments at Cades Farm and Longforth, the infrastructure of Wellington simply cannot cope with yet another.

“There are so many reasons why it should not go ahead – lack of provision for secondary schooling, health services and leisure facilities are just a few, not to mention the massive impact on our already traffic-swamped town centre.

“It would appear the site is even of archaeological importance – yet another reason for refusal.

“There doesn’t appear to be one thing in its favour as far as the town of Wellington itself is concerned.”

The spokesman said that campaign members would be lobbying Thursday’s meeting and hoped opponents to the scheme would turn out in force at Deane House.

“Although outline planning permission is one stage in the process, it still doesn’t mean this unwanted development has to go ahead. We will fight these plans to the bitter end.”

This evening’s meeting is at 5pm at Deane House.