A VILLAGE on the edge of Taunton looks set to get a full-size football pitch, a multi-games area and tennis court.

That's despite the village already having two football pitches.

Planning permission already exists for the new football pitch along with a pavilion on a field in Norton Fitzwarren.

The land was donated to Somerset West and Taunton Council for recreational use under a Section 106 ('planning gain') agreement.

The development at Stembridge Way could also include a car park for 40 vehicles and an attenuation pond.

The council is now applying to itself for planning permission to carry out additional work:

a three-metre high football spectator fence;

a four-metre high loose ball net;

a tennis court with fencing.

Christopher Trebble, who lives nearby, has written to the council saying he would wish to welcome the development but has a number of concerns.

He said the project would deliver benefits to local youths "who are so badly provided for at present".

But he added: "The playing fields already have two football, pitches both of which are underutilised.

"I see no point in adding a third which, I believe, is probably intended for use by the wider community including Taunton and brings little benefit if any to the village.

"However, if a third pitch is approved then it should be constructed and laid out so as to provide use for other sports - hockey and rugby in the winter months and cricket and athletics in the summer months.

"I am also deeply concerned that provision of a third pitch will pave the way for one or both of the current pitches to be given over to housing development (possibly by compulsory purchase).

"I would request that appropriate conditions are attached to any approval of the application to prevent this in perpetuity."