THE controversial decision to sell off a publicly owned field in Highbridge to make way for 110 homes will be reconsidered by the district council.

In February developer Coln Residential won outline planning permission to build 110 homes, a play area and a fitness trail on land between Lakeside and Isleport despite more than 140 objections from residents.

Last month Sedgemoor District Council's Executive met and approved the plans to sell the land but a few weeks later Liberal Democrat councillors from Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) 'called in' the Executive's decision to sell the land and a meeting was held to discuss the plans again.

At a meeting on Monday (July 13) SDC's Scrutiny Committee heard presentations from Cllr Phil Harvey, Cllr Janet Keen and Cllr Mike Murphy as well as evidence from Highbridge resident, Joy Russell who urged the committee to refer the decision back to the Executive.

The committee unanimously voted to send the plans back to the Executive and they are due to be considered again later this month.

Cllr Phil Harvey said he is pleased the decision will be considered again by the Executive.

He said: “The committee considered what we had to say, and the passionate representations from the local people. Officers of the Council made their responses to the points raised and this helped to clarify some issues.

"At the end of the meeting, the committee unanimously voted to refer the matter back to the Executive for re-consideration.

“The retention of this land, and its use as a natural greenspace, are supported by many people in Highbridge who feel that it is a vital resource for future generations.

"The strength of feeling was very evident at the meeting. Whether this will be sufficient to sway the Executive remains to be seen.

"I would urge people to lobby Executive members between now and Wednesday, July 22 – which is the date when I believe the Executive will consider the matter again.”