HOUSES could be built on a green space currently acting as a war memorial and a buffer between Taunton and West Monkton.

An exhibition of the proposals for the new homes on Glebe Park will be open to residents tomorrow (Saturday, July 24) from 10am to 3pm.

The homes, if approved, would form part of Maidenbrook Country Park, home to the Somerset Wood, where 11,281 trees are being planted in memory of Somerset people who fell in the First World War.

A resident who is opposed to the homes plans said: "It’s a lovely, quiet green space to be in and remember those people we are so proud of.

"Now a developer wants to build on the surrounding land."

West Monkton and Cheddon Fitzpaine parish councils have issued a joint statement about the planning application on farmland owned by Ben Ashton.

The statement says: "The two parish councils believe the Maidenbrook Country Park represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance the quality of life of our community for generations to come.

"We think the Country Park will make a real and positive difference to the quality of life of our communities.

"(The vision for Maidenbrook Park is) a wide, open, green space that stretches from the outskirts of Taunton town via our country park and Hestercombe out towards the Quantocks.

"A safe haven for the natural flora and fauna as well as for us humans, this place will incorporate a wide range of native trees, wild-flower meadows, and a network of natural-looking tracks for walking, running and cycling – a calm, tranquil place where a community that is being squeezed by residential development can unwind in a more natural environment.

"Most important of all, we will be saving the park-land from the threat of future development."

While the final shape of the country park has not yet been decided, the councils say the inclusion of a large part of Glebe Farm is needed to fully achieve the vision.

They add: "However, it is not the only option and a number of unknowns have to be clarified and factored in before the country park project as presented on Saturday in outline can be finalised.

"The most important of these is the view of the local community, in particular the residents in the Cheddon Fitzpaine PC and West Monkton PC Joint Neighbourhood Plan area.

"The exhibition should be viewed as the Glebe Farm team’s contribution to a wider consultation process to establish that view.

"Events organised by the two Parish Councils will follow in due course."