NEIGHBOURS are opposing proposals for a canalside cafe on agricultural land in a village near Taunton.

A planning application for the cafe, along with an outdoor seating area, access and parking in Creech St Michael has been submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The applicant, named as Mr N. Davidson, is applying for change of use from agricultural land for the site south of the car park beside the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal, in Vicarage Lane.

The Canal and Rivers Trust charity has informed the council it has no objection to the scheme.

But neighbours Brian and Ann Oldham have written to the local authority objection to the cafe.

They are concerned about safety on the road access to the site, which they say is used by "large numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and horses".

They have also expressed fears that the cafe would be a "honeypot", attracting visitors from outside the village, causing parking problems, while they believe the development would result in an increase in delivery and waste removal vehicles.

They add: "The village needs a cafe.

"There are existing options in the village for refreshments, but none are ideal.

"A cafe near the canal would be a fine asset if it did not bring an increase in motor traffic with it.

"Perhaps an alternative option, permission for the cafe to be developed, conditional on clientele arriving by car being able to use car parking spaces in the village hall car park and walking to the cafe through the Ryesland Way housing development should be considered."