PROPOSALS have been unveiled this month for 24 new homes on the edge of a village near Taunton.

R & K Building is applying for planning permission for the development on a 1.2-hectare site in Milverton.

The application lodged with Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) and prepared by Greenslade Taylor Hunt includes plans for associated access, 64 parking spaces, a new footpath and landscaping.

The site south of Butts Way is bounded by fencing and hedgerows and is reached by an existing vehicular access..

There would be a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, with six of them affordable homes.

Of the dwellings, two would be one-bedroom; four two-bedroom; 14 three-bedroom; and four four-bedroom.

An area of open space is proposed at the front of the site, while new hedgerows and trees would be planted around the site.

A statement submitted with the application says: "The development is within a sustainable location on an allocated site immediately adjoining the settlement of Milverton.

"The development will deliver clear economic, social and environmental benefits.

"In particular the development will provide 24 additional dwellings including six affordable homes in an area where there is a need for further housing growth."

The statement claims pre-application talks have been held with SWT and feedback has confirmed the site is allocated for residential development.

It adds that "advice was provided in relation to vehicle and pedestrian access and drainage".

A member of the public has contacted the council and expressed their opposition to the scheme on environmental and traffic grounds.

She said: "The exit from the planned site is potentially extremely dangerous.

"Butts Way narrows at this juncture and visibility for drivers going towards/from Milverton is poor.

"Milverton already suffers from excess traffic and heavy goods vehicles, large farm tractors and trailers, plus delivery vans only contribute to the problem on an almost daily basis."

She added that additional light pollution would be prejudicial towards ground pipistrelle bats, nesting pheasants, tawny owls, little owls and barn owls, all of which can be found in the area.