PLANS which would see fewer vehicles passing through Wellington town centre have been approved - despite many residents objecting.

Retail Interest Ltd, a mutual company of Relyon and Pritex, submitted an application to Taunton Deane Borough Council to create a new vehicle and pedestrian access point from the Pritex site, to the first phase of the Wellington northern relief road.

The new road has been constructed as part of the Longforth Farm residential estate from Bloor Homes.

The application boasted around 20 fewer HGV trips will be taken through the town centre, as well as a reduction of around 190 two-way vehicle movements.

In August 2018, it was revealed parent company Steinhoff International would be selling Pritex in a bid to grow the business into different sectors. The applicant hopes the new access will ensure Pritex can work independently from Relyon.

Taunton Deane planners approved the application, despite residents of the nearby estate voicing concerns about child safety and pollution levels.

One resident said: "How this can be granted when so many young children will be put at risk and in danger by

these heavy goods vehicles and cars is beyond me. The risk of serious accident and pollution inflicted illness is surely something that should be pinnacle in the decision making for this application.

"The logic in switching a pollution problem from one area to another is completely beyond me."

Another said: "I am against this plan as the pollution will cause harm to me and my family especially the young boys. "The road will also be very dangerous for my children and I am worried they may get run over one day."

But despite numerous concerns along the same lines, the plans were supported by TDBC, while Wellington Town Council said any relief to town centre traffic is 'welcomed'.

A spokesman for TDBC said: "The proposed development includes an access and changes to the existing car-park

to an extant factory site.

"The adjoining road is capable of handling additional capacity and has width for HGV movements.

"While residential concerns are understandable the proposal is not considered to be significantly detrimental to

amenity and the highways officer has commented that it would not significantly increase risks to highway safety.

"It is therefore considered acceptable and is recommended for approval."