PROPOSALS for over 500 homes on a new development in Wellington are expected to be given the green light by planning officials tonight (July 18).

Taunton Deane Council's planning committee are set to approve Bloor Homes' application at a meeting, which would see 503 homes, as well as part of the eagerly-awaited Northern Relief Road, built at Longforth Farm.

A primary school, sports pitches, allotments, a children's play area and a new public footpath are also in the pipeline.

The new section of road would provide access for Relyon and Swallowfield to their industrial sites, taking traffic away from the town centre - something Wellington councillor Andrew Govier believes is vital.

He said: “The town council's very ambitious for the development of the town.

“This road has been talked about for decades. The northern part of Wellington suffers from having HGVs driving along roads which aren't suitable. This plan will start the process of removing these from the town centre and streets.”

Martin Miller, technical director at Terence O'Rourke who represent Bloor, described the application as a 'significant milestone'.

He said: “Affordable homes, leisure space, sports facilities, a new school and fewer HGVs are just some of the benefits.”