PROPOSALS for 80 homes with shops and a food takeaway in a village near Taunton have been blocked.

Planners at Somerset West and Taunton Council have rejected an application for the development on a 12-acre field in Cotford St Luke.

Hallam Land Management had wanted to build the mainly three-bedroom homes, with up to 20 social housing properties off Dene Road.

Cotford St Luke Parish Council objected to the scheme on the grounds it was outside the parish settlement boundary.

It also cited insufficient infrastructure, potential for anti-social behaviour and an increase in vehicle movements to the county town.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on local healthcare, with Quantock Vale Surgery and Orchard Medical Centre both oversubscribed.

Hallam's proposals also outlined plans for a local centre, a principal access road, green infrastructure, play space, allotments/community orchard and pedestrian and cycle connections.

READ MORE: Planning applications submitted for 80 homes in Cotford St Luke.