PLANS for a new housing estate in Wiveliscombe are being opposed by the town council - but supported by officers at the district authority.

West of England Developments and Summerfield Developments have applied to Taunton Deane Borough Council for permission to build up to 94 homes at Sandys Moor.

The town council says the town is already set to hit its target for new homes until 2028, but Deane planners are tomorrow night being recommended to grant conditional approval to the project.

It would also include mixed use light industrial units on two fields west of an allocated employment site.

A statement from Wiveliscombe Town Council said: "The application does not fall within the core strategy.

"Wiveliscombe has already built more than 45 per cent of the required houses (until 2028) and as another 140 houses on allocated sites to be built in the plan period.

"The site constitutes an allocation retained from the local plan. It is required to ensure Wiveliscombe, and its rural hinterland, has enough employment land to meet future requirements."

It added: "Sandys Moor has not been allocated for housing in the local plan and the site should be retained for business use only."

Objections cited in seven letters include the town's schools are full to capacity and the homes would put pressure on the GP practice and car parks; the development would "degrade the town's character"; it would increase the demand for employment outside of the site; it is near a sewage works; and there could be a flood risk.

However, a Deane officer's report to the planning meeting says the proposals are acceptable as the development would be "employment enabling and affordable housing enabling".

It says the scheme should be approve along with a pledge from the developers to provide industrial buildings, children's play provision and affordable housing.